Jan 22 2010 1:55 pm,
White Rabbits
‘It’s Frightening’
(Mute)
Crashing into ‘Percussion Gun’ with a thunderclap of drums, ‘It’s Frightening’ is immediately as energetic as White Rabbits’ much talkedabout live shows. Veering between a Walkmen jitter and a Thom Yorke croon, White Rabbits keep up the tempo through ‘Rudie Falls’ as Alexander Even’s gruff vocals duel with a bar-room piano and stomping drums. ‘They Done Wrong/We Done Wrong’ would sit comfortably on ‘The Bends’ as one of Radiohead’s crunchier efforts, whilst ‘Lionesse’ resembles Yorke and co’s more recent offerings. But it’s unfair to lump White Rabbits as Radiohead soundalikes (however much of a compliment that might be), as moments like the playful verses of ‘Midnight And I’, or the samba-tinged beat of ‘Right Where They Left You’ show. At 34 minutes, ‘It’s Frightening’ is never likely to drag, but this is an album that deserves attention from start to finish.
Matt Glass
