Ordinarily when a band releases its EP, it’s finding its feet. Perhaps it feels too safe. If there are risks, they don’t always pay off. The sound might show promise, but often it’s not quite there. And then every now and then you hear an EP like Bloodline from Melbourne folk act Run Rabbit Run.
This is self-assured music that challenges the boundaries of folk. It’s bold, confident, and oh so good, right from the opening strains of “Into the Woods.” It’s a lushly layered track with an ethereal quality that instantly piqued my curiousity about what I might hear next. Its plaintive choir-like vocals really speak to the heart.
“Sticks” is a traditional rollicking folk ditty, a great ride that compels you to clap along to the driving drums and join in the “woah ohs.” “Old Soul” is stunning in its simplicity. All the right ingredients are here, a relatable narrative, powerful vocals enhanced when lead singer Casey Martin’s voice harmonises with his bandmates. As the music reaches its crescendo, it takes an unexpected musical turn; I didn’t expect it but I was so captivated I went along willingly.
We’re surprised again in “We Don’t Know What It’s Like,” when electric guitars take over from the banjos. Those modern instruments don’t normally find a role in such folky Americana fare, but in a brooding song like this they make perfect sense.
We’re taken on another journey with the final track “Lights.” It speaks so eloquently of the struggle to gain our independence, yet the draw we always feel to the past. At first the song is gentle, sparse and delicate, but it builds to a compelling climax.
Bloodline is a powerful EP. If this is what Run Rabbit Run can produce first up, I can only imagine the accomplished music these guys will make 10 or 20 years from now. See them on tour at the following shows this October and November.
7 October 2017 – The Hotel Metro, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Loft, Warrnambool
19 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
12 November 2017 – World Vegan Day Festival, Melbourne
25 November 2017 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
Image used with permission from Beehive PR