EP REVIEW: Rabbits – Gold Baby

GOLD BABY was formed by the use of hand-made posters. As Sian Alex – vocalist, songwriter, and lead guitarist – is ‘afraid of the internet’, as she jokingly puts it, creating a band to back up her songs would need some creativity. Unfortunately, the use of posters did not work. But an advert on the website, Gumtree, made GOLD BABY into a trio, with the addition of Scott Hislop on drums and Sara Kleppe on bass. The band’s influences range from FUGAZI to JONI MITCHELL and everything inbetween. The trio’s folk style storytelling, which centers on the female experience, is what makes them stand out. Their new EP, Rabbits, deals with themes of moving on or being held back by something. It might just be the album we need for these troubling times.

Bodie is the first song on the EP. A mid-tempo beat starts off the song. It continues throughout the song. The vocals by Alex are like windchimes gently clinking together, sounding like the sweetest sound on a summer’s day. The mid-tempo beat is reminiscent of songs from the 1940s. The song ends on a crescendo, which – thanks to the producing – does not feel out of place.

2041 follows up, and its lull of sweet, angelic vocals and soft instruments tricks the listener into a false sense of security. This is because around halfway through the song, Alex lets out an almighty scream that could rival most metal screamers. It does not feel out of place, even as the song then goes back to its folk sound. This is thanks to the work of producer Ian Flynn, who makes each song memorable, whilst also making the sound varied. The pacing of both songs are similar. However, 2041 has a fast pace during the end of the song. This sounds natural due to the build up of the instruments during the first verse and pre-chorus.

Betty is the third song out of four on this EP. The gentle guitar riff introduces the song. The mid-tempo of the song makes it sound like a perfect song to play at the end of a live set. The backing harmonies during the chorus add to the other-worldly feel of the song. There is a guitar solo that is just before the bridge of the song. This, in turn, makes sure that the instruments have their time to shine. Captain Dorego has an old-sailors song sound to it. This is appropriate due to the title of the song. The pacing of the song feels natural and the tempo is up-beat during the chorus and slow during the verses. Thanks to the pacing of the song, the different tempos do not feel jarring or out of place. They are natural and easily transition into each other.

In conclusion, Rabbits is a gentle and fantastic EP that is perfect for a quiet afternoon in. Thanks to the outstanding production, the brilliant vocals and beautiful instruments, GOLD BABY prove that you do not need to show the loud and brash side of music to succeed. In fact, the quiet church mouse side can be just as – if not, more – effective.

Rating: 9/10

Rabbits is out now via self-release.

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