Review
Rabbit Holes
Rabbit Holes EP

Big Action (2014) Loren

Rabbit Holes – Rabbit Holes EP cover artwork
Rabbit Holes – Rabbit Holes EP — Big Action, 2014

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 / 10Loren • July 1, 2014

Rabbit Holes – Rabbit Holes EP cover artwork
Rabbit Holes – Rabbit Holes EP — Big Action, 2014

Advertisement

DCxPC 2025

Recently-posted album reviews

Detention

Dead Rock ‘N’ Rollers
Left For Dead Records (2024)

Life ain’t so easy in the detention home- Dead Boys. Emerging from the underbelly of Jersey, made up primarily of three brethren. Raised on rock and roll and sipping from the chalice of early punk rock stalwarts like Da Bruddahs from Queens, Hey Ho! and the Pistoleros of Sexual Nature screaming banshees from across from the large pond. Thus forging … Read more

Nightfreak

Nightfreak
Big Neck Records (2024)

Semi-feral punk outfit NightFreak are back with a self-titled LP filled with breakneck riffs and 70s metal bombast. The Chicago group haven’t slowed down since 2022’s Speed Trials but they have filled out. NightFreak the album is lousy with warm back beats and melodic guitars; although, hardcore vocals and tight drums still reign supreme. Album opener “Blackout” is dead serious … Read more

Death By Unga Bunga

Raw Muscle Power
Jansen Records (2025)

I’m pretty sure I became aware of Mike Krol when The Whiffs posted about playing some shows with him. Krol is a bit of an anomaly. Not only is he on Merge and collaborates with Mac Superchunk- a dream scenario imo- but he’s also been elusive of my fan boy attempts at cold dm’ing him about stuff even tho we … Read more