"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.


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