Rabbit Holes

Big Action Records doesn’t pump out a ton of releases and, when they do, they run the geographical gamut. The label is based in St. Paul, MN but releases come from across the country. Still, within that, there’s a well defined style that tends to dominate: pop-tinged, melodic garage rock. The debut from Minnesota’s Rabbit Holes fits well within those confines.

It’s the three-piece band’s first release and includes ex-members of Voytek. Here, the style is toned down: where Voytek were a punk band celebrating the obnoxious, Rabbit Holes are more tempered and toned, the kind of band to have over for your dinner party instead of at the kegger. Sure, they play rock’n’roll, but there’s some class in there. Those melodies are old-timey and classic, as pleasing as a fine wine and some cheesecake.

So what does the band actually sound like? There is a strong ‘60s garage at play, with harmonies and repetitive structures that pull together for memorable hooks, suited for the singalong but run through a dirty grunge filter. There is a subversive undercurrent and some well toned sarcasm within, but on the surface Rabbit Hole’s self-titled 7” is a romp of positivity. About halfway through “It’s Not Right,” the scum breaks from the surface and it turns into melodic garage rock for the last two minutes. B-side “I Ain’t Coming Back Tonight” has a swaying rhythm that allows for a bit of dance subtly underlying the buzzsaw guitars. There’s some additional feedback that finds its way into the track, adding to that raw edge with a ‘90s touch. This song has a strong power-pop element as well, though with the guitars stepped up.

At only 7 minutes long the EP is a quick play and the A-side wins out on capturing attention and burrowing into the memory banks. It’s a nicely packaged vinyl and one best suited for playing loud.

7.4 / 10 — Loren