White Rabbits + The Subjects - Doug Fir Lounge (Portland, OR; Jun. 23, 2009)

text: Nicci Boots / photos: Cory Zimmerman

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A look at the cover of It’s Frightening, the White Rabbits’ killer, sophomore release, yields a pretty good glimpse of what’s to come at one of the band’s shows. The image, which depicts a drummer maniacally attacking his set, sheds light on the passion each member of the White Rabbits brings to the stage for a performance. And Tuesday, at the Doug Fir, the image was further brought to life as four of the six band members ended up striking the drum set throughout the night.

These boys held absolutely nothing back, throwing themselves into every beat they created, thus developing a sound only a group like the White Rabbits could. Bouncing back and forth between instruments, the band injected a frenzied energy into their songs, and the audience. For “Kid On My Shoulders,” best-known for its indie/island shuffle, three band members grabbed drum sticks and a maraca to pound a delicious rhythm into the tune.

The band’s performance of “Midnight And I,” a slower, darker track than most of their others, highlighted the dynamics that define the White Rabbits. Edging in and out of eerie melodies, the group captivated the audience with intense notes from the piano, drums, and guitars. But the lead and back-up vocals proved just as essential, providing harmony to each other while adding a needed ingredient to the band’s sound.

Closing with the hot new single “Percussion Gun,” the band showed the crowd their unique style won’t be leaving the stage of the music industry any time soon. With the magnitude of the song swelling by the second, the White Rabbits sang of their take on love in a rambling, hip-shaking way no member of the audience could deny.

Labeled indie-rock, the truth of it shows White Rabbits to be playing essential rock ‘n’ roll beats, layered with haunting rhythms and eclectic lyrics. Produced by Spoon’s Britt Daniel, It’s Frightening reveals the future for these Missouri-born boys: moody yet jubilant, and full of outrageously good times to come.

DOWNLOAD: White Rabbits - Midnight and I (MP3) or Follow us for more White Rabbits MP3s (Twitter)

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song battle!!!

Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.

Thievery Corporation - Marching the Hate Machines
vs.
Jeff Buckley - Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin

thanks so much nadine! probably the best compliment a photog can get!

and thanks for reminding me to embed the video in the post too!

by Steve Benoit on Sun May 20, 2012 at 09.33 am from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)

I can’t get over how these photos captured my up close memory of the night.

by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 11.08 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)

Or should it be whoever?  F my grammar.

by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.30 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)

Whomever took these photos certainly captured the night!

by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.26 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)

“Mindkilla” is awesome. I’ve got this music video last week and really impressed through watching every performance particularly “Glass Jar”. Thanks dude. :)
dance contest

by Mark Waugh on Thu May 17, 2012 at 05.54 am from the entry: Gang Gang Dance's Illuminating "Mindkilla"

Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…

by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête

Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.

by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête

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