(all photos by Keith Klenowski)
To say that White Rabbits are a band on the rise might be a bit of an understatement these days. After turning heads with their debut album Fort Nightly in 2007, and then touring the hell outta that record, the guys have settled in for album number two and carved out a nice spot in the indie rock universe as one of the next big things. The new record, It’s Frightening was produced by Britt Daniel, and the tutoring from the Spoon frontman, combined with the bands already intoxicating talent has created nothing short of a great record.

I ventured out on a Monday night here in Cincinnati this week to take in their live performance and you after seeing them in action, I can see why it was important for them to capture as much of the live energy they create onstage with their recordings.

The 6-piece played several standouts from the current record, including songs that seemed to be taken up a notch live, like “They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong” which played like a full on assault to the audience from the band. And although the crowd was nowhere near capacity on a Monday in the Queen City, those that were in attendance had no choice but to bounce along to the incredibly tight set White Rabbits was dishing out.

Of course, a few gems from Fort Nightly popped up as well, and I have a newfound respect for “While We Go Dancing”, a tune from the debut that I liked, but now can’t get outta my head. It may have been the best song of the entire set. I think my biggest complaint is that the bands set felt short. I know they probably played every bit of a 45 minute set, but I left wanting more, and I think that might be just how White Rabbits want it.

I also realized more fully afterward how important it was for the band to capture as much of that live energy as possible for their recordings, and while it’s not a exact match, It’s Frightening does a pretty good job achieving that. So if you get the chance, be sure to attend a White Rabbits gig on this current tour, this band on the rise might be playing bigger rooms the next time you get an opportunity.

More excellent photos after the jump…..