After an intriguing introduction to the band with the Simon EP, Dirty Little Rabbits return with their anxiously awaited, self-titled, long player. Including much of Simon, the band expand the dynamic a bit while tightening up the march that will lead them out of their respective confines (namely Slipknot and Sister Soleil). For those who have not heard the band yet, it’s kind of nineties Alt-Rock – but the good kind. And it’s sprinkled with just enough melody to keep you begging for me while staying firmly away from the Pop tag.
If you are familiar with the EP then not much here will come as a surprise to you. It’s very much an expanded work. The highlight is still unquestionably “Hello,” one of the brightest, catchiest, coolest songs to be released in the last few years. Stella just shines on this track in particular- I am left a little surprised though that the production wasn’t beefed up a little bit or they didn’t open the album with it but, to each his own, right? The attacking and haunting “Simon” and the beautiful yet subtly aggressive “Leave Me Alone” probably best represent what this album is about. Both are chocked full of off-kilter vocals, interesting rhythms, and creepy organ work that makes the music much more dynamic than you’d expect. “Professional Hit” is a highlight here and it’s the one song to step away from all the others almost entirely as the band goes Rage Against the Machine style while Stella tries her best to pop every vein in her forehead.
Overall, Dirty Little Rabbits is the first thing a member of Slipknot has participated in outside of their main band that is worth your attention. Dirty Little Rabbits bring some new things to the table as well as reconnect you with some old things that you don’t even realize you miss. Is the album perfect? Nope, not even close. What it is though is raw and real and inviting and that’s something we don’t hear a lot of these days. The album is very participatory and I look forward to hearing where they go from here.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
