2Rabbit - Prey

2Rabbit

Prey
FBPNetlabel; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

The four-piece band 2Rabbit comprised of Rob Gominiak (vocals/guitars), Andy Swift, (guitar), Marc P. (bass, vocals) and Ron Swift (drums) has the undeniable essence of punk rock. Mike Watt from Minutemen has more or less said that punk rock is just doing your own thing not the three-chord, angst-ridden stereotypes many people think of. It’s evident on 2Rabbit’s recent release Prey that the band doesn’t want to pigeonhole their music because they are definitely doing their own thing - sometimes on a song for song basis. 

The band goes from playing art punk LCD Soundsystem inspired jams to gypsy ridden Talking Heads-esque ditties. It’s ambitious to say the least and it doesn’t always pan out but you have to admire the spirit in which these songs were intended. The songs sometimes go on too long and even though I appreciate the lo-fi aesthetics I would have liked to hear some improvements to the mix. That being said, if you can let go of some of the minor issues you will be able to enjoy yourself.

The album starts with “Lines From Jim,” which is somewhere between Les Savy Fav and LCD Soundsystem with a dash of post-rock. It’s a fun, danceable groove that could go on forever. The hook when he sings, “you got away scot free” is pretty infectious.

“Irresponsibility Rag” is a dirty, mess of a song that tips its hat to ‘70s punk bands. The bass is loud and prominent like that of a Minuteman song. “Bust a Tooth” contains some gypsy flavor that’s led by bass and drums. It’s a psychedelic circus that is zany and fun. I wish I could have heard what was being said. “Grass is Grass” veers towards sentimental classic rock. It’s a solid song but could have been wrapped up before the four-minute mark and the vocalist has a rough time staying in key when belting it out but it still works.

The band has some success as with the fast paced and fun “Mad Bad Stupid” and the blues ridden ‘70s inspired “Shantastic.” The closer “A Deal is Struck” is a prog rock Frank Zappa-esque psychedelic drunken adventure. 

Prey is far from perfect but the unpretentious mayhem that ensues is what rock is all about. 

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