WHITE RABBITS - It's Frightening

Indeed it is...frightening how appropriate it is that this album be produced by Spoon mainman Britt Daniel given how much this band draws from his template. Even the font choice and photo style on the cover feels Spoon-y. But even after you've acknowledged that this marriage may fit just a little too well, this lean slice of indie-pop redeems itself through sheer will. Much like the straight-up rock displayed by Athens, GA trio The Whigs on last year's excellent Mission Control, White Rabbits convey heartfelt passion with every little note to the point where denying it just feels cruel, joyless and plain stupid. And there's even more in their favour, and it's in this area where Daniel's lesson has been best absorbed—a little thing called tasteful arrangements. Whether it's the blistering force of "Percussion Gun" or the languid drift of "Company I Keep", it's tough to believe at times that this is a sextet because no one overplays their hand. Any time a collision of too many instruments seems imminent, each member dances out of another's way at the last possible second. It's this display of skill that makes White Rabbits truly worthy of your attention—and fun to listen to, too.