The Rabid Whole - Refuge
CD Info
2012
Independent Release
10 Tracks
Lyrics in English
There are so many diamonds in the rough that sometimes I feel are over looked or misplaced entirely, when it comes to music is of course what I’m talking about. So it’s a well-known fact that some of the best current industrial and electronic music is coming out of Seattle, Washington. Well, that’s the word on the street anyways. And it is also well-known fact that when a female fronted band hits the streets in any major city there is a big uproar about it on the underground, especially in the "femme metal" movement and community. So why the hell is there not enough press or praise to the name of The Rabid Whole from Toronto, Canada? For shame Femme Metal community, for shame.
Ok, this sonic phenomenon is in fact mainly fronted by the clean, yet raw vocals of Andreas Weiss and then additionally backed by the sweet and purifying voice of Sheenah Ko. A lot like the familiar set up we know and love in the band Kamelot. Oh and hey! Why stop there with the member introductions? There is also George Radutu (a total geek) on Guitar, Oscar Anesetti (always sporting a top hate a shows) on Bass Guitar, and JJ Tartaglia (a true metal head) on Drums. Oh did I forget to mention Andreas plays Guitar and Sheenah rocks the keys as well as a keytar? Yeah, the talent is endless in this band.
On May 1st 2012 the band released their full length album titled "Refuge" and I have to say it has become my refuge during this past week with all the woes of normal life… Gotta love those. You get endless uplifting beats mixed with driving guitars and great vocal melodies that lift your spirits and also help you deal with those undealt anger management issues. Andreas said he wasn’t going to be afraid with approaching a "bigger sounding everything" on this release and undoubtedly that is what you get: A very big sound. Each song has its own unique fingerprint in melodic flow and rhythm transmitted by the band. You can tell these songs are heartfelt, but there is also a huge level of thought that was incorporated during the song writing process.
During this week of refuging in this release (yah like what I did there?) a thought had passed my mind that these songs very much reminded me of what I loved about Jakalope’s "It Dreams" album. Low and behold I looked through the liner notes and there is Dave "Rave" Ogilvie’s name as part of mixing the album. Huh, my mind picked up on that extra touch to the production, but enough about the name dropping, introductions, etc. What about the songs? Let’s talk about the stand out tracks:
"Future" starts off the album and is a strong track that reminisces in times of Orgy and Nine Inch Nails. It is danceable, angry, and fun. Andreas and Sheenah give honest vocal performances here. "Corporate" is my favorite track on the release. It’s serious and angry and I can relate to it with the personal story of how everyone else gave up on their dreams in "going corporate" while you are left behind to still climb up hill with your dreams, alone. The intro with Andreas whispering still gives me chills. "Serenity Calls’ is proof that a slower tempo track can be ever so powerful and emotional. Sheenah gives her best vocal performance here. It’s a chilling and beautiful track. The drag in the tempo really gets you to slow down and think, something I feel artists lack these days in their songwriting delivery. "Stargazer" just rocks. It’s heavy and still tastefully done, not to tip over on the heavy industrial side, but something you would still consider industrial? Oh how do you do it Rabid Whole? No, don’t tell me. The mystery to this band’s musical diversity is what makes them so good and makes you wanting more. The cd ends with the title track, which is the sexiest track I have ever heard. Sorry Trent Reznor, The Rabid Whole does sexiness with class and without the trash.
So what’s keeping you from listening The Rabid Whole? Make no excuse! They are already making a name for themselves in Toronto as well as southern Canada. They just came in as finalists in Toronto’s Indie Week and have a music video to be released Nov 9th. The sky is the limit for this wonderful little class act of industrial rocktronica that packs a punch, to the mind, with a wrecking ball. Seriously people, head on over to their facebook page, take a listen, and if it’s what yah dig then give them a like. I give it a few more years and I have no doubt this band is going take off and rock clubs around the world. Good luck guys and all the best with the video release!
Stand out tracks: Future, Corporate, Stargazer, Refuge.
For those who like: Jakalope, The Birthday Massacre, Nine Inch Nails, Orgy, Depeche Mode, Linkin Park.
8.5 / 10
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