Title: Separate
Artist: Blue Rabbit
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 884501048804
Genre: Rock
Blue Rabbit, an indie baroque pop ensemble out of San Francisco, springs from the work of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Heather Anderson. On this debut album, their unusual 'non-rock band' sound consists of 5-part female vocal harmonies over intricate drum and cello grooves, Celtic harp, sparse keys and guitar. Lyric-driven art rock. Anderson's penchant for lyrical storytelling and haunting, minor-key melodies evokes a sense of magical mystical melancholy similar to that of UK contemporary, Bat for Lashes. Atypical time signatures and Kurt Weill-esque chord progressions give a theatrical feel to a sound that ultimately falls on the Bjork side of Arcade Fire. Originally formed in 2005 as an experimentally sparse drum and vocals partnership between Anderson and drummer, Kevin Weber, Blue Rabbit has since expanded to include the musical talents of Timothy Galida (keys), Kristin Harris (cello), Eah Herren (Celtic harp), Arami Reyes and Sarah Rocklin (vocals). Anderson and Weber recorded and co-produced this debut album, "Separate", at Spliggityfidge Studio in Emeryville, CA, USA. Unabashedly literal and self-exposing, the lyrics to all eight songs on "Separate" tie together as part of a larger tale - an illustrated, musical, work of "autobiofictionalography", The Story of Sadie Jones, of which Anderson is the writer/producer. The Story of Sadie Jones is an international, collaborative art project-in-progress, which combines autobiographical prose and songwriting with the talents of independent recording artists from around the world. Anderson's songs - both performed by Blue Rabbit and used in the project - have gained honorable mentions in London and on the West Coast. What others have said: "So much more than creative, intergalactic bunny inspired cover art, Blue Rabbit's 'Separate' is a breath of fresh air. Formed in 2005, this San Francisco-based cello/harp septet demonstrates a tasteful mixture of jazz-like melodramatic feel and phrasing, thick harmonic layering, and a rhythm section that understands the intricacies of acoustic simplicity; the result is a blend of sound that most Greenwich Village and Brooklyn-based ensembles strive toward, but fall well short of...." - Matt Jaworski, MuzikReviews.com (Album Review) 'Getting Away' pushes the vocals further to the front of the class, soaring to great heights that leave little wonder about [...] Blue Rabbit's ability to at once stick with a classical Baroque sound and yet defy boundaries. Can't find your white rabbit? Follow a blue one down the rabbit hole, and you won't be disappointed." - Michael Fiegel, OnlineRock.com (Album Review) 'Blue Rabbit drives their songs with strong lyrical content and melodies you can't shake. Their debut EP, Separate, is a feast for the ears...[It] is a brave and exciting album that takes big risks and wins. Dark, melodic folk/pop songs with credible weight and depth await you.' - Wildy's World (Album Review) "... The title track is some great rolling cello pop." - The Bay Bridged (SF Bay Area Monthly Podcast) "Contemporary stuff for contemporary ears, Anderson and her crew have studied well and know how to serve it right. A deep work on the art rock side [...]." - Chris Spector, Midwest Record (Album Review) "Blue Rabbit demands attention, and when a harpist, cellist, and three girls who harmonize extremely well line up the stage, you can't help but be completely immersed in their music." - Carlos Cisneros, The Bay Bridged (Live Performance Review) '...Nick Cave songs sung with a touch of The Supremes." - Adrienne of Coal Beautiere (Band) '...The Andrews Sisters playing with Portishead...' - Meddle of The Sparrow (Band) Accolades: "Separate" was included as track one on The Bay Bridged Monthly Mix, September, 2008 'Getting Away' was included on "Women of Rock", a compilation album of female-fronted rock bands, produced and distributed by MJR Films. Digitally released (Itunes) 9/17/08 "Getting Away" was also nominated to compete in the "Fan Favorite" category of the ISSA's annual songwriting contest, October, 2008. "Love Secret" was selected to be included on "WomenRock", a compilation album celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the WomenRock Showcase Series at the Bazaar Café in San Francisco. Blue Rabbit featured as November's Artist of the Month on Wildy's World, November, 2008 Featured as November "Radio Star" on Church of Girl Radio, November, 2008 Featured artist on MVY Radio's Local Musicafe, November, 2008-January, 2009 Instrumentation Heather Anderson - songs, voice, guitar Arami Reyes - voice, shakers, tambourine-gal Sarah Rocklin - voice, cowbell Timothy Galida - keys Kristin Harris - cello Eah - Celtic harp Kevin Weber - drums Discography Debut EP, 'Separate' Digitally released 9/15/08 Physical release: October 12th, 2008. Women of Rock Compilation 'Getting Away' (Separate EP) was included on this compilation album of female-fronted rock bands, produced and distributed by MJR Films. Digitally released (Itunes) 9/17/08 WomenRock Showcase Compilation "Love Secret" (Separate EP) was included on this compilation album celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the WomenRock Showcase Series at the Bazaar Café in San Francisco.
Tracks:
1.1 Sleep
1.2 Getting Away
1.3 Separate
1.4 Missing Piece
1.5 No Batteries, Please
1.6 Like I'd Like You to
1.7 Stupid Flag
1.8 Love Secret
