White Rabbits

It's Frightening (TBD)

By Aiden Landman
Published: May 28th, 2009 | 8:15am

I have a soft spot for bands from the Midwest. As a child born, bred, and tried by the ditch fires of America's flatlands, something always strikes me about the earnest nature of small town kids doin' it right.

Brooklyn's (by way of Columbia, Missouri) White Rabbits are ever the poster-children for this way of thinking on their second LP, It's Frightening. Through the course of 10 songs about love, heartache, and mistakes, White Rabbits keep the power and energy of their debut, 2007’s Fort Nightly (Say Hey), right up front — making this album a joy for the ears and an exorcism for the brokenhearted.

The fingerprints of producer and Spoon frontman Brit Daniels are all over this record, from the compressed bass and punchy drums to the voyeuristic nature of not fully cutting out the talk-back before and after songs.

Lead track “Percussion Gun” is as raucous as it is lyrically provocative. The drums kick straight in and don't let up until just before the last bass run ends. It's Frightening is the work of an amazingly skilled and talented group of musicians and tunesmiths.

This is not a record for those with a nervous head or shaky disposition. The White Rabbits are a confident band and this is one confident record. You might not learn anything new or find yourself within its grooves, but you will no doubt be impressed by its sheer sonic and verbal intensity and flawless execution. Listening to It's Frightening is akin to a speeding midnight drive down a long and winding road, sans headlights — absolutely exhilarating.

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