White Rabbits

You cannot discount the element of luck when speaking of a bands success, or lack thereof. And that is speaking commercially, not critically. All bands crave critical acclaim, and in most cases that praise can lead to record/concert sales. New York(via Missouri) rockers White Rabbits (Stephen Patterson-vocals/piano, Alexander Even-guitars/vocals, Matthew Clark-drums/percussion, Jamie Levinson-drums, Gregory Roberts-vocals/guitar, Rustine Bragaw-bass) have their fair share of positive press. But fresh off their third albums release, Milk Famous, can this be the year they break through? Hell, Arcade Fire won a Best Everything Grammy a mere two years ago. How did that happen if not for some luck. An aggressive PR agent maybe? A and R man who wouldn't quit. What do the Black Keys have White Rabbits don't? More humor? Confidence? Better representation? Luck?? It is not a bigger sound. It is not a bolder and more confident stage presence. It is not a more concise and polished set. No sir, White Rabbits have an aggressive, energetic and down-right fun hour plus set that was in full display last night at their native city's Webster Hall. It need not apologize for lacking the record sales or larger venues those other bands can boast. Let's call it right place, wrong time. If last night was any indicator these fellas are on the brink of stardom. They leaned heavily on Milk Famous and the results were seamless and successful. The moody "Heavy Metal" opened the set. For their first release it is a nice way to start, but far from the best work on this record, A few songs later the piano heavy "I'm Not Me" showcased strong melody and sheer exhuberance. There is an ELO thing going on here and it sure can bring a smile to your face. And let's not forget the toe tapping... or here, clapping. They dipped into their debut record, 2007's Fort Nightly, and blitzed through "While We Go Dancing." "There's Something That You Want to Say/I'm Not Asking/Just Sleep You're Nights Away/While We Go Dancing" are not just lyrics, but commands. Six pieces working on all cylinders. Vocals, guitar, bass, piano, and the drums... the drums... the drums. Never are those drums more on display than with their hit, Percussion Gun, from 2009's It's Frightening. Beautiful tribal beats fill the air as the band slowly kicks in... then out... then in again. Immediately after a spirited version of "The Plot" they sequed into their gothic "Lionesse." It played like a mix of Danny Elfman and The Band, circa 1975. More toe tapping goodness. The boys were confident enough to incorporate new material into their encores too, leading off with "Danny Come Inside." Their long guitar-heavy intro popped and would surely make Bradford Cox smile. Someone in Hollywood needs to add this song to a chase scene and fast. If "Percussion Gun" is their drum calling card "Danny Come Inside" is their electric bass/guitar signature. Finally they slowed down "Kid on My Shoulders" to the point of unrecognizable. A groovy bass line and hints of a Brian DePalma score gave new freshness to an already fresh song. All good. All confident. All in. No wasted moments. Little, to any banter with the reserved, but admiring crowd. A quality rock and roll outfit who should be playing larger arenas, and fast. Meatloaf at Wellmont? Sinead? If those folks can get three thousand there is no reason White Rabbits can't. The luck has got to change. With their talent that is the only logical explanation. Take heed Alt World, and beyond.

I only found out they were playing Columbus a few days before the event and immediately bought my tickets. The band was amazing! They played songs from both their albums, as well as some new songs from an upcoming release. While I'm not sure how I felt about the newer songs, it was a great preview. A band called Sonoi opened for them, they were great as well.

So excited for this show and true to form, the White Rabbits did not disappoint. Their live performances are infused with energy and confidence that radiate out to the crowd as soon as the first note is played. I love their music and love that they sound as good live as they do on my ipod. I hope they always come to Columbus when they are touring...I know I will not miss them!

As usual, WRs did not disappoint....sparsely melodic yet thundering sounds....they are so talented and tight!!!! Love all their catchy hooks, their onstage presence, and their low-key friendliness. <3 <3 <3 hi from oHIo!!

Absolutely amazing show! So talented and so different. Love them!

White Rabbits are such an amazing talent, and watching them live is incredible. They're the best band you've never heard of, but also one of the best bands period. I'm so lucky I got to see them finally. Been trying for a while.

This group are fabulously talented, and know how to get the attention of a crowd! Well worth seeing, would go to watch them again!!

Excellent show. Good sound. Good drinks. Cool bartenders. Decent crowd in cool sweaters. The opener was interesting and different.

great energy, sounded better live than on the album!

I was there for the War on Drugs. They were great. Didn't really care for the White Rabbits. I like Variety Playhouse. Whether I'm there for a jazz band or Dan Aurebach, the sound is superb. Love the venue.

Awesome as always. Great venue, very up close and personal

awesome concert. these guys were better live than i'd imagined. rocking show.. just a tad too short though! all in all, a great time.

the white rabbits were awesome! bowery ballroom has a great vibe too:)

great! best show I've seen in a long time! definitely go see these guys if you have the chance.

Love this band! my new favorite group, eagerly awaiting their new record!!

Great band, great show! Talented group and it looks like they are having fun.

I've seen White Rabbits 5 times. They always put on an outstanding live show. They sound great & are full of energy. I love their use of multiple drummers and how they switch around instruments from time to time. This show, they played quite a few new songs, which sounded great. I wasn't that familiar with Caveman, but they were pretty good. They need a bit of work polishing their stage presence, but they had a nice sound. Magic Magic I didn't really like. Too hipster wanna-be & somewhat boring.

I've seen this band twice over the past two years at The Social in Orlando. One of the best live shows I've ever seen. I can't recommend this band enough.