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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

Copyright 2002 HellrideMusic.com
Review by Chris
Barnes 4/17/02
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