Fort Nightly

iTunes Review

Bursting out of NYC (by way of Missouri) with this impressive debut, White Rabbits are carving a distinctive path with smart, sharp and catchy tunes generated by double guitars, double drums and some seriously soul-thumping piano. Ghosts of ska-beats past, such as the Specials and Fun Boy Three, permeate this set, but in a subtle way, ushering tunes like “Kid on My Shoulders” and the cinematic “March of the Camels” along on twisting percussion, shuffling pianos and eerie vocals.  Tracks like “The Plot” and “While We Go Dancing” deliver a fresh take on high-energy indie rock, creating memorable hooks and drama with peppery backbeats, roiling pianos, and strong dual vocals by Greg Roberts and Steve Patterson. Spicy Latin percussion in “I Used to Complain Now I Don’t” and “Tourist Trap” meet up with tropical flavors — shakers, congas and ska guitars —  on “Navy Wives” and “Dinner Party,” but you’ll want to tango to “Take a Walk Around the Table.” Did we say “indie rock?” These Midwestern college boys have more flavors than Ben & Jerry’s, and it’s a revelation to discover them all in one place.