French For Rabbits

Again I found myself last night at Auckland's Civic Theatre, this time to see a bunch of dreamy artists that go by the name 'French for Rabbits'.

The band were introduced as a bunch of introverts who were clearly in the wrong profession. Yet they have performed alongside the likes of Marlon Williams, Lorde, Nadia Reid and Tiny Ruins. This five-member band is a world-class act with seven international tours in their past, and with more to come, I have no doubt.

I found myself captivated by Brooke Singer, the gentle, kind, shy way she spoke, the way she could shake you just a little with some hilarious humour... She reminded me of a french rabbit (funnily enough) elegant, maybe slightly posh, ready to dart off at any moment, but the way she held herself made me wonder if she were to have a spirit animal, would it be a rabbit?

Brooke spoke about her wish to create a sleep album, an album to serenade you while you dream. Would there be matching pillowcases tho? Yes, yes, there would be, probably with pictures of Brooke’s dad on them. "Waking up from the dawn with bird songs, that turns into a song about the end of the world."

The collection has a lot from their third album dropping later this year, and I can not wait. I left The Civic feeling all warm and content inside but with a touch of sadness. I couldn't help it, the soft, calm music and melodies that had underlying tones of sorrow. This band has worked out that a soft whisper over a loud ballad can be just as, if not more, emotionally powerful.

I look forward to more.

Images and words Madeleine Brighouse-Mayo