19 May 2010 (gig)
22 May 2010
An interestingly diverse mixture of patrons steadily filled The Relentless Garage Wednesday night, as the support act, Active Child, concluded their catchy take on indie-pop to a well received, yet calm applause. The vibe shifts noticeably in anticipation of the Brooklyn-based sextet, The White Rabbits, and as they drift onstage they were met with an uncertain reception. As if to play on this, they open with a sedated but well-covered version of Iggy Pop’s 'Night Clubbing’.
The audience hardly knew what to make of this and the mood remained until the recognisable, steady drum beats rolled into 'While We Go Dancing’. Matt Clark, one of the two drummers, paces the stage with his tambourine and an infectious movement that spreads amongst the band and is thrust forth from the modest stage.
The excitement tangibly grows as the crowd are met with familiar songs from their first album 'Fort Nightly’ and by the time 'Rudie Fails’ fires up, so does everyone else. Stephen Patterson, pianist, assumes lead vocals whilst guitarist/vocalist Greg Roberts hits the tambourine with such force it’s probably wondering what it’s done wrong. The tempo slows briefly for 'They Done Wrong/We Done Wrong’ and 'The Company I Keep’ before Greg bellows out 'The Plot’ to stir the audience further.
During this part of the performance it’s staggeringly noticeable how much more of a punch this album packs in a live setting. The drumming from Jamie Levinson and Matt Clark has a formidable presence throughout and draws a more hyper reaction than you’d expect from what is a mellower second album. What also continually impresses is the ability of the band to interchange instruments. Patterson switches to guitar for some sections whilst Clark lends a hand, when two isn’t enough, on the keyboard. Roberts and Patterson swap lead vocal duties regularly with guitarist/vocalist Alex Even and bassist Brian Betancourt offering steady support.
There’s an eruption of noise both on and off stage as 'Percussion Gun’, the recent favourite, is announced with a drumming frenzy. Patterson powers through the chorus, seemingly determined to blow out his voice and raising questions on how sustainable this kind of performance is. Its effect, however, brings the set to a climax as the band are immersed in music they evidently relish playing.
With a quick 'Thank You' they depart the stage leaving no one in doubt that they will be back momentarily. The encore brings more tracks from 'It’s Frightening’, in which the crowd revel and increase the volume. The set ends with 'The Salesman’ and the band retreat to almighty applause they’ve more than earned.
It has long been my opinion that in order to hear music as it was intended, you have to witness it live and the White Rabbits prove this with a frantic enthusiasm. Hopefully, 2011 will bring another album, more recognition and a bigger UK tour for a talented band who are underrated this side of the Atlantic.
