In just a few years, Bad Rabbits has gained the rapid momentum that most bands can only dream of. The quintet hailing from Boston is comprised of vocalist Fredua Boakye, drummer Sheel Davé, bassist Graham Masser and guitarists Salim Akram and Santiago Araujo. The first time I saw the band play in Northampton, I had no idea who they were – but I was left with memories I will never forget. This Thursday, the band will bring its infectious energy back to Northampton at the Iron Horse Music Hall.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what genre Bad Rabbits is classified as. The band has a soulful funk sound, and yet it tours with rock bands like Taking Back Sunday and frequents alternative and indie festivals, such as Boston Calling and Warped Tour. Although the band describes its sound as a blend of “futuristic R&B and post-rock,” it would be wrong to box it into any category. Bad Rabbits has a sound that is all its own.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the band is that the guys launched their career all on their own. They gained popularity by playing small local shows in Boston and surrounding cities, slowly amassing a following. As more people liked what they saw, the band began playing small tours around New England, captivating crowds with a high-energy stage performance unlike any other. On top of the smooth, melodic vocals by lead vocalist Fredua “Dua” Boakye, the band is known for its synchronized dance moves. It is not uncommon to see the band stand in a straight line and bust out moves in time to one of their hits; much like the Jackson Five might have in its heyday.
In 2008, Bad Rabbits released its first EP, a four-song demo titled “The Bad EP,” but it wasn’t until 2009’s “Stick Up Kids EP” that its music really started to gain some ground. Catchy tracks such as “She’s Bad,” and “Can’t Back Down” became instant fan favorites, but the real gem of the album is “Girl I’m Like Damn!” featuring Gym Class Heroes front man Travie McCoy. With Travie’s voice on the record the song only got more attention, and several years later Boakye appeared alongside Travie at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve on national television.
With a small taste of fame under its belt, Bad Rabbits went back to work hard on its debut full-length album, “American Love.” A little more polished and all the more catchy, the 2013 release has proven to be a huge hit thus far. The feel-good album features suave vocal melodies with the same swanky funk backdrop the band is known for serving up.
With the release of the record came a large-scale U.S. tour, as well as a gig at last May’s inaugural Boston Calling Music Festival and an appearance on the late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Currently on a short five-show winter tour, it will be nice to have the boys of Bad Rabbits back in their home state of Massachusetts this Thursday. The show begins at the Iron Horse Music Hall on Feb. 13at 10 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door.
Brandy Robidoux can be reached at [email protected].
