Rabbits
"SOS"
Cassette/Digital
Released: December 3, 2013
Any band that covers a Rudimentary Peni track are champions in my book. Add covers of Minor Threat, Cro Mags, Discharge, Poison Idea, Negative Approach, DRI, Black Flag and Bikini Kill and I can't keep from salivating.
Not to take anything from the originals on this collection of LP session bonus tracks, 7-inch tracks, unreleased demos, radio performances, alternate versions, and practice space jams recorded from 2006 to 2013, but some of these covers simply rule. They make me wish I was in their band. Sounds like they have a lot of fun making a racket and they have good taste in music.
The take on Black Flag's "Wasted" is way cool and reminds me of a extra dirty and ugly Fu Manchu with the added stops.
Being from Portland, they covered Poison Idea's "Think Twice", as if they were channeling Die Kreuzen's first album.
photo by James Rexroad
They bring in Jonnie Monroe for special guest vocals on Bikini Kill's "Rebel Girl". Fan-freakin'-tastic.
Rabbits fuzzed out, hardcore, metal, sludge, ultra-distorted abuse works well on every track, including Minor Threat's "Straight Edge". Pretty sure Rabbits are more aligned with "Wasted" than "Straight Edge".
The Rudimentary Peni cover of "One and All" from the "Archaic EP" is phenomenal. As are the Discharge "Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Say Nothing", Cro Mags "Hard Times", Negative Approach "Evacuate" and DRI "I'd Rather Be Sleeping" covers.
These are some of my favorite bands and these Rabbits versions are very worthy.
Discharge's "Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing" made we want to destroy everything (including myself) in 1982. Rabbits cover captures that feeling.
After hearing the originals and covers on "SOS" I want Rabbits to cover a Tar song. Get on it Rabbits. OK?
"Drink Drank Drunk" from the "Keep Our Heads" is a perfect song. Where the Rabbits covers are an aural abuse in the hardcore vein, their originals channel a fuzzed out hatred that builds tension and crashes in chaos.
Truly wish this was available on the preferred vinyl format (at least vinyl is preferred in the FOE haus).
Do yourself a favor and obtain "SOS".
Frank FOE
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