You need to listen to Bad Rabbits
I never go this far out on a limb for an up-and-coming band, but I'm going to do it right here right now.
A band from Boston called Bad Rabbits, is churning out some of the most exciting party music I've heard lately. With the right management and record label, these guys could be big.
But I don't care how huge they are -- I just want them to keep making music, because I really like what I've heard and seen so far.
Before we go any further, go here and listen to their debut EP, "Stick Up Kids." It's got seven songs, and four or five of them are bangers.
Led by a sultry falsetto and layered with retro synths and pulsing drums, "Stick Up Kids" is a fresh take on the '80s hip-hop/R&B/dance scene -- part Prince, part Kool & the Gang ...
With a sound like this, Bad Rabbits could win over hipsters and pop and urban radio listeners alike.
I didn't think Bad Rabbits would be able to pull it off live until I saw them perform at The Studio at Webster Hall in New York City last Saturday night. The space was filled with a couple hundred people, and half of them knew the words to the songs. How is that possible? The vibe was electric. Bad Rabbits owned it.
By now, I hope you've clicked on that link and listened to "Stick Up Kids." If you have, you really ought to buy it. It only costs $5.
At the New York gig, I briefly talked to one of the guys in Bad Rabbits, who said they're headed to Baltimore sometime in March. I'm there.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
what's the deal with bands with Rabbits in the name?
I've been listening to a lot of Frightened Rabbit and White Rabbits ---- now my go-to-nightlife-blog comes up with another Rabbit related band...????....why are bands loving the rodent-like rabbit?
Posted by: dave | January 27, 2010 5:18 PM
Pass on all songs. Doesn't do it for me.
Goodluck to them though.
Posted by: BirdDog | January 27, 2010 5:22 PM
dopski! thanks for the tip.... i'll pick up the EP
Posted by: ben | January 27, 2010 11:58 PM
Sam played these guys for me and they're killer. It was so much fun to listen to, like a cross between Prince and Parliament. If everyone listened to some funk everyday, imagine what this world would be like.
And Dave, don't worry the rabbit thing is bound to slow down. Just watch out for the Whales. Noah and the Whale, Freelance Whales, Wale (actually pronounced Wah LAY).
Posted by: Tyler | January 28, 2010 11:30 AM
Hey Tyler,
Don't forget about "Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe" by the band Whale from back in the early 90's
Posted by: TheBeav | January 28, 2010 2:01 PM