Dead Rabbits: A Record to Break EP

With Dead Rabbits' second coming, A Record to Break, Joshua DeRosa (guitar/voice) and Lucas Fuentes (drums/voice) consummate their bluesy swamp-monster swagger with a true sense of Southern comfort, and a little less idol worship. "Man and Ghost" barrels with a humid rock 'n' roll stride, and pinched production that underscores the visceral fortitude of each song with jagged fidelity. "Strange" proves that with just a little flare for language, even the most libidinous of manly urges can have depth. There's not a lot of variety here, but with just six songs on the EP, there's never a dull moment. The Black Keys and Led Zeppelinisms that mark their '60s rock style are deeply ingrained within the sly guitar chug and melody of "Heavy Mind" and "Feral Child." But their influence peddling is less prominent here, making room for a more realized Dead Rabbits sound - which is straightforward, none too showy and full of raw energy. (3 out of 5 stars)