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The Half Rabbits - Tiny Knives for Tiny Minds

Reviewed by Ben on 5th July 2006

When you're presented with the words "emotive rock music" in front of your eyes, the mind does indeed wonder. For many these days, those three letters send shivers down what I can imagine as a wealth of muso's backs - E-M-O. Was I sceptical about listening to this? Somewhat. But then taking a look at the bands The Half Rabbits have supported seemingly put my mind at ease; it's basically a who's who of upcoming and breakout indie acts with names such as The Cribs, The Young Knives and Komakino amongst many.

Claiming not only that they play emotive rock music, but that it is also dark and brooding, it is unfair to immediately think that The Half Rabbits are going to play pop riddled, sorrowful melodies in the same vein as The Crib's "You Were Always The One"; a sweet and sour affair almost coated in too much sugar. This band play the sort of dour songs that you would normally associate with Interpol.

Michael Weatherburn (vocalist for The Half Rabbits) could be mistaken for the rather polite relative of Paul Banks on the opener "These Rumours", while the subtle programming in the background of "Someone's Coming" comes across like Carlos D's first foray into using synths. "These Rumours" is easily one of the better opening songs to a demo I've heard recently - it's a steadily paced number which builds into something monolithic, much like - surprise, surprise - Interpol's "Slow Hands".

Those pondering when I'm dropping in the reference to The Von Bondies should ponder know more. Take a listen to "Someone's Coming" for it's raucous guitar explosions stemming from palm muted moments of serenity, the formula used for The Von Bondies first album, "Lack of Communication". There is a dirtiness to the production of the CD at times as well - something I enjoy personally but may not to be to every ones taste. The finale, "Playing With Fireworks", amalgamates the two influences into the most emotive track on the CD, both lyrically and musically - if you've never been to a gig by The Half Rabbits, this is the track you could imagine them ending on; a well orchestrated, somewhat anthematic song that leaves you wanting more.

And it has. Coming off the strength of three songs, one can become easily excited what The Half Rabbits can achieve with the full backing of a larger record label and extensive coverage in magazines. The band offer something a little different to the mainstream indie machine we're subjected to these days - just how the hell have The Half Rabbits have stayed off the indie radar is incredible!

Rating: 8/10
Website: www.halfrabbits.co.uk

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