“The Plot”
from the album Fort Nightly
2007
iTunes
MP3 – “The Plot” [right-click/save-as]
Musically, White Rabbits’ closest siblings would include Cold War Kids or early Walkmen, given all three bands’ fondness for twinkling keyboards, room-filling rock and snarling but seductive vocals. Playing jangly rock with frantic intensity and lusty vocals, White Rabbits’ members draw inspiration from disparate sources like calypso and ska along the way.
“The Plot” opens at a full-throttle pace, as singer and guitarist Greg Roberts recounts a tale of domestic violence. Exuding anguish and vulnerability, the song comes to a head as the rest of the group tumbles in, chanting in unison, “He’s not impressed / He’s not impressed,” as Roberts wails over a throbbing bass line. “The Plot” expertly details the nasty secrets of an affluent household: The phrase “I work hard so we can have nice things” has never sounded so menacing. Throughout the track, White Rabbits demonstrates a mastery of momentum and impressive coordination, as multiple drummers and vocalists function in perfect harmony and locate an impressive, infectious groove. It’s an explosive combination: a pitch-perfect indie-soul firecracker.