The power of technology should not be feared in the music industry. It has created giant opportunities and made things possible that still amaze me. Most impressive is the ability for collaboration between artists on other sides of the globe. No longer do we need to rent out a cramped, sweaty studio to record music. One great example is our recent discovery of Relative Rabbit.
The duo made up of Matt Tyson and Morgan Shinstine have never actually been in the same room. That has not been a strain on the Relative Rabbit project as together they create a progressive rock sound with powerpop and ambient textures. All from the comfort of their separate home studios on opposite coasts of the United States. Their different influences come together perfectly in the uniquely experimental prog sound of Relative Rabbit.
Earlier this year the duo released their second album I Could Be Mistaken. The 12 track opus puts together their wide variety of influences into one complete journey into sound. The skill each has with their instruments as well as production makes this a record that demands attention.
The opener “Broken Arrow” draws us in with a pretty and melodic acoustic guitar along with mellow harmonized vocals that drew flashback comparison to late 80’s rockers Extreme for me. As we enter “Copenhagen Street” we are treated to a little more of their progressive side but somehow still smooth and pretty with a Brit-pop feel in the chorus. Relative Rabbit is just weaving their way into your mind for complete control. We get a little darker and deeper on “The Outlier” and “Mortal”. The ambient exotica kicks up a notch on “Promised Land” with sounds seeming to come from all angles to completely encompass your surroundings, all with a mellow vibe that keeps your mind at ease. This is masterful song ordering.
Relative Rabbit Warps Your Mind In The Best Way Possible
By the time we reach “Opus 28 (Leaving Chance)” we are in full prog-rock mode with noodling guitar paired with exotic time signature drums keeping us guessing where the music will go next. The ambient textures behind the rock of “Remnants” show that Relative Rabbit is in complete control of our ears and mind by now. And it is OK with us.
For the closer, the duo prepares us for a relaxing trip back to reality with “Counting Sheep”. We thank them for this soft end to our trance-like journey through their imagination. This is an album I advise for a complete uninterrupted listen from start to finish, even in this modern world of radio singles. Find more Relative Rabbit on SPOTIFY.