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Reviews    Robot vs Rabbit - Trading the Witch for the Devil (Mandragora Records)
by Chris Barnes

The field of drone/noise is becoming hot. While still largely uncharted territory, those leading the advance such as Robot vs. Rabbit, Porn, Sunn 0))), Khanate, Boris, Merzbow and such are braving the sting of rejection for this form of music. It's not something that you're going to tap your foot too, or hum along in the shower. This is strictly a cerebral experience. Diverse elements coming together to communicate in a totally new jazz dialectic. Bass, vocals, drums, guitar and synth are simply one of the many tools of the craft, not the mainstays of what we consider music.

North Carolina's Robot vs Rabbit have added elements to this genre that I haven't heard before, but can't put my finger on in terms of description. Their armory of musical instruments is extensive... the aforementioned bass, vocals, drums, guitar and synth are augmented by several variations of these instruments, as well as trumpets, clarinets, polish harps (whatever the heck that is!), computers and even household appliances. The effect alternates between elating and chilling, hypnotic and disruptive.

It's obvious that Robot vs. Rabbit and their ilk are not going to appeal to everyone. Put the people that get it, are hooked. The nontraditional communication between musicians is overwhelmingly compelling as it is challenging. The overall experience is head music for the '00s in the way Pink Floyd was back in times past.

Purchase Trading the Witch for the Devil at the Hellride Music Super Store

Listen to a Real Audio sample of To Avert One's Eyes

Read the Hellride Music interview with Robot vs Rabbit

Visit the Robot vs Rabbit website at www.robotvsrabbit.net

 

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Review by Chris Barnes 4/17/02