Concert Review: White Rabbits at the Independent

Concert Review: White Rabbits at the Independent

Words by  Sarah Vasquez. Photos by Hanlly Sam.

My apprehension before White Rabbits hit the stage at The Independent was with the recent album It's Frightening. It sounded too much like a Spoon album. But being produced by Spoon's main songwriter Britt Daniel, this was not a surprise. Anyway, my point is that I had low standards for the newer material. I was worried that there would be a disappointing contrast between both albums in a live setting. And I was wrong. So so wrong.

White Rabbits' show was loaded with percussion goodness. The two-drummer band demonstrated their gained hype of intense performances as they were dripping with sweat and playing from the first note to the final "Thank you" without any display of exhaustion. Even though he provided extra beats for opening band Here We Go Magic's entire set, drummer Matt Clark's arms never showed signs of slowing down. And the crowd ate it up. They were singing along, bobbing their heads or drunkenly dancing.

Unfortunately for Here We Go Magic, the reception wasn't as welcoming. Maybe it was unfamiliarity with the band or they just weren't as intense as the headliner; the crowd seemed lukewarm and unreceptive. Singer Luke Temple looked a bit frustrated when his attempts of hand-clapping participation weren't reciprocated. Nevertheless, Here We Go Magic played a hazy melodic indie set that seemed more low-key compared to what White Rabbits released to the masses. It's a shame, as the potential is there. They were just missing that little something that people can attach to.

White Rabbits and Here We Go Magic played at The Independent on April 14, 2010.