The first full length album from these Chicago-based doom and sludge inspired Metallers that receives a vinyl only release via Interloper Records. Fortunately for those of us who no longer own the necessary equipment to play the official release they have made sure review copies are issued in the CD format. Rabid Rabbit began life as a two piece of drummer Mike Tsoulos and bassist / occasional vocalist Andrea Jablonski before adding guitarist Gregg Prickett and second bassist Arman Mabry. Prior to this release they issued a 16-minute single 'C-Section' (again on vinyl only) that takes its name from the low register tuning of both guitar and bass.
Across the seven tracks crackling riffs ring out against backdrop of forceful rhythms all glued together by the twin bass drones with only minimal vocals to rise out of the tunnel of sludge. Anyone not altogether familiar with the genre may well think it impenetrable and the fact of the matter is there is much that could alienate listeners without the required perseverance to stick with it. But there are some subtle nuances that become more apparent with each subsequent listen and a clear and genuine dynamic between the musicians is much in evidence. The bottom heavy 'Welcome To The World' provides an effective and deliberate opener; to the lengthy jam of 'Spider' they add a touch of menace with Andrea's creepy reciting of children's nursery rhyme "Itsy Bitsy Spider". Side B shows they are not afraid to vary the tempo with the claustrophobic atmospherics of 'Ephedrine' and relentless assault of 'Morse Code' but Rabid Rabbit save perhaps the best until last with the hypnotic, shimmering 'Low Glider'.
A solid debut album.
Track Listing
Side A
1. Welcome To The World
2. Spider
3. First Blood
Side B
1. Ephedrine
2. September
3. Morse Code
4. Low Glider
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
