Fierce Bad Rabbit

4 1/2 Stars

The New Years Eve release date for “The Maestro and The Elephant” should tell you what perennial scene favorites, Fierce Bad Rabbit, might hope to accomplish with their latest album. With their glasses raised nostalgically for the soaring optimism that drove earlier albums, the band opens the new year with a more grounded sound, tighter ensemble work, more mature writing, and deeper collaboration between the band’s members. With the addition of replacement drummer, Max Barcelow and the direction of producer Andrew Berlin the arrangements gel, allowing the band to present their most diverse collection of songs to date, like the ethereal “The Devil Smells Like Country” written and performed by violist, Alana Rolfe and “Apple In Your Hand” which is written and performed by drummer Max Barcelow. Guitarist, Chris Anderson’s writing also benefits from the new collaborative approach. On tracks like “Matter of time” the writing and performances outshine all of their previous recordings. – Andrew Schneider - Andrew Schneider, Scene Magazine

It says a lot about SXSW's size and scope that this "sampler" of the annual music festival spans six and a half hours, but here we are: 100 songs by 100 artists worth discovering at this year's big event.

Handpicked from among thousands of artists, this genre-traversing playlist picks highlights, discoveries and future thrills from this year's festival — and, for the next 30 days, it's available for free download in its entirety, as one 813 MB zip file, right here. Of course, for those without that much hard-drive space, you can download each song individually, as well as stream The Austin 100 on this page and through NPR Music's various mobile devices.

Come back to NPR.org/SXSW for live showcases, photos, videos and podcasts from this year's festival. On March 13, starting at 8:45 p.m. ET, we'll present a live broadcast from Stubb's in Austin, featuring Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Cafe Tacvba, Alt-J, Youth Lagoon, Waxahatchee and Le1f. Information on how to enter for tickets is at SXSW.com. On March 14, watch Dave Grohl's SXSW Keynote speech live at noon ET and enjoy NPR's Alt.Latino free SXSW showcase at Auditorium Shores with Cafe Tacvba, Molotov and Bajofondo. Doors are at 5 p.m. ET. We'll be recording the show, so check for highlights later.

We still have more SXSW coverage to announce. Follow @nprmusic for details and updates.


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THE AUSTIN 100

Air Review, "America's Son"
Air Traffic Controller, "You Know Me"
Alt-J, "Tessellate"
Andy Stott, "Numb"
The Away Days, "Dressing Room"
Bajofondo, "Pide Piso"
Big K.R.I.T., "Shine On (Feat. Bun B)"
Blaudzun, "Elephants"
Boy, "Little Numbers"
Bronze Radio Return, "Shake, Shake, Shake"
Brown Shoe, "Late Nights"
The Calm Blue Sea, "Mary Ann Nichols"
Caveman, "In The City"
Cayucas, "High School Lover"
Cheyenne Mize, "Among The Grey"
Chic Gamine, "Days And Days"
The Coup, "Magic Clap"
Dana Falconberry, "Lake Charlevoix"
Daniel Bachman, "With Signs Following"
Dessa, "The Beekeeper"
DIIV, "How Long Have You Known"
Dusted, "Property Lines"
The Eastern Sea, "The Match"
Elephant Stone, "Heavy Moon"
Emma Louise, "Boy"
Empress Of, "Don't Tell Me"
Ex Cops, "James"
Field Report, "I Am Not Waiting Anymore"
Fierce Bad Rabbit, "Matter Of Time"
Foxygen, "San Francisco"
Frightened Rabbit, "State Hospital"
Gaby Moreno, "Que Voy A Hacer"
Guards, "Silver Lining"
Haley Bonar, "Bad Reputation"
Hannah Georgas, "Ode To Mom"
Hey Marseilles, "Bright Stars Burning"
Hundred Waters, "Boreal"
Hurray For The Riff Raff, "Born To Win (Part One)"
Imam Baildi, "De Thelo Pia Na Xanarthis"
Indians, "I Am Haunted"
Ivan & Alyosha, "Running For Cover"
Jenny Owen Youngs, "Love For Long"
Jesca Hoop, "Born To"
Joe Banfi, "Nomads"
Jonathan Boulet, "You're A Animal"
Josh Ritter, "Joy To You Baby"
Josh Rouse, "Julie (Come Out Of The Rain)"
The Joy Formidable, "This Ladder Is Ours"
Kelly Hogan, "Plant White Roses"
Ken Stringfellow, "You're The Gold"
Killer Mike, "Untitled (feat. Scar)"
Kopecky Family Band, "Heartbeat"
La Santa Cecilia, "La Negra"
Le1f, "Coins (produced by Drippin & Souldrop)"
Lianne La Havas, "Is Your Love Big Enough?"
Line & Circle, "Roman Ruins"
The Lone Bellow, "Two Sides Of Lonely"
Lucius, "Turn It Around"
Lydia Loveless, "Can't Change Me"
Marnie Stern, "Year Of The Glad"
Metz, "Headache"
Micah P. Hinson, "Take Off That Dress For Me"
Mikal Cronin, "Shout It Out"
The Milk Carton Kids, "Snake Eyes"
Mother Falcon, "Dirty Summer"
The Mowgli's, "San Francisco (Remix)&amp - Stephen Thompson, NPR Music

Fierce Bad Rabbit, Spools of Thread (Self-released). Spools of Thread? More like strands of the choicest indie rock woven together to make one vibrant, colorful fabric. If the members of Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire joined ranks to record an AM Gold tribute to Wilco, it might sound something like this. Nah, this sounds better. — Herrera - The Westword

As most bands will tell you, there’s a lot riding on a name. It can help make you (The Who) or break you (Hoobastank). For Fierce Bad Rabbit, settling on one was much the same struggle, before finding inspiration in a children’s character.

“(Lead singer Chris Anderson) suggested Andy Christ and the Good News, and for some reason, that one didn’t stick,” bassist Dayton Hicks said. “We booked our first show under the name Chris James and the Velveteens, but a couple of days before, I was sitting at a friend’s place that had a figurine of the Fierce Bad Rabbit brought to her by her father from a recent trip to London. I suggested it, and we all agreed it was a keeper.”

The figurine was modeled from the 1906 children’s book, “The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit” by Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter, about a particularly naughty bunny who is punished for his misdeeds by having his tail and whiskers shot off by a hunter. Not that it matters, as it has nothing to do with this Fort Collins, Colo.-based quartet, which plays Saturday at Belle Isle Brewery.

“Does any band’s name really relate to what they’re doing? Does Radiohead really wear radios on their heads? I don’t think The Killers kill ... maybe they do,” Hicks said, laughing.

Other than playing a particularly bouncy brand of indie pop, the group has little in common with rabbits, and is hardly fierce or bad, but it is light, fun and exciting.

“Fierce Bad Rabbit seems to really intrigue people,” said violist and vocalist Alana Rolfe. “It offers a fun and positive vibe that I think people really react to it by singing along, smiling, laughing, dancing — all the things you want in a good night out.”

The band was born from several prominent Northern Colorado acts, with its members striving for a simple sound à la Arcade Fire or Modest Mouse. It’s a less intensive project for some of them, like Rolfe, chief songwriter for Stella Luce. In Rabbit, she can unwind in the music instead of steering it.

“I’m free to relax and play my role,” she said. “It’s fun to find where I can complement the song just right.”

The supergroup approach has benefited all involved, providing a loose creative outlet and breeding ground for ideas that don’t fit into their original projects, equaling a distinctive, sometimes merry, sometimes melancholy take on the loaded indie-pop spectrum.

Fierce Bad Rabbit has quickly bred a fiercely loyal following in Denver while slowly making tracks from Seattle to Oklahoma City and in between, in support of its “Spools of Thread” release.

The act isn’t taking the tortoise method in spreading its music nationwide, as drummer Adam Pitner noted, so maybe there is a little rabbit in there.

“We want to go to the top,” he said, “We would like to tour in front of some great bands, make another record and, if possible, take over the world.” - Oklahoma Gazette

Genre/Style: Rock, indie/alternative
Sample Tracks: All I Have Is You, Everything’s Alright, Love Doesn’t Run
Added: September 2010
Notes: One of the most popular and exciting new rock bands to emerge out of Fort Collins in the past few years, FBR’s last two releases, their debut and this one, have been favorites at stations like KRFC and KCSU (Colorado State University). If this record were to make it onto playlists at rock friendly stations like KRCC (Colorado Springs), KOTO (Telluride) and KDUR (Durango) it could hang around near the top of the spins charts for many months to come… it’s at least five tracks deep - Rocky Mountain Music Network

Coloradans are very vocal about what they like, especially when it comes to local music.
More than 180 of you e-mailed in your votes for the Top 10 Colorado albums of 2010, and there were two clear favorites.
Denver electronica trio Gritch and Fort Collins pop-country band Weekend Weather were the heavy favorites. But while the groups couldn't be further apart in styles, their rankings were only separated by a single vote.
The list included bands from throughout Colorado, but Fort Collins acts remained close to voters' hearts with Weekend Weather, Tickle Me Pink and Fierce Bad Rabbit all rating high.
In addition to your votes, we've included a Top 10 list of our own. While we didn't see eye to eye on everything, it looks like when it comes to FBR, Flobots, Tequilla Mockingbird and Paper Bird, great minds think alike.
One thing I think we can all agree on, as noted by voter Paula Boddicker: "We are so lucky to have so many great local bands!"

Your votes

1. Gritch - "Arrivals & Departures"


2. Weekend Weather - "Sunny with a Chance of Tube Tops"


3. Tequila Mockingbird - "Luck and Trouble"


4. Tickle Me Pink - "On Your Way Down"


5. Flobots - "Survival Story"


6. Fierce Bad Rabbit - "Spools of Thread"


7. Heyday - "Till We See the Sun"


8. Paper Bird - "When the River Took Flight"


9. Big Head Todd - "Rocksteady"


10. Something Underground - "Intention and Release"

Your votes

1. Gritch - "Arrivals & Departures"


2. Weekend Weather - "Sunny with a Chance of Tube Tops"


3. Tequila Mockingbird - "Luck and Trouble"


4. Tickle Me Pink - "On Your Way Down"


5. Flobots - "Survival Story"


6. Fierce Bad Rabbit - "Spools of Thread"


7. Heyday - "Till We See the Sun"


8. Paper Bird - "When the River Took Flight"


9. Big Head Todd - "Rocksteady"


10. Something Underground - "Intention and Release"

Our picks

1. Danielle Ate the Sandwich - "Two Bedroom Apartment"


2. Fierce Bad Rabbit - "Spools of Thread"


3. Ben Prytherch - "Songs to Make Love to Your Boyfriend By"


4. Tequilla Mockingbird - "Luck and Trouble"


5. Paper Bird - "When the River Took Flight"


6. Great American Taxi - "Reckless Habits"


7. Nathaniel Rateliff - "In Memory of Loss"


8. Flobots - "Survival Story"


9. Elephant Revival - "Break in the Clouds"


10. (Tie) Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams - "Sinners and Saints" and Patti Fiasco - "No Bridges - The Coloradoan

Comparing the packaging for Fierce Bad Rabbit's self-titled debut to Spools of Thread, its latest offering, perhaps best illustrates the band's notable progression. While the inaugural release had exactly zero frills — sandwiched between two pieces of card stock the act's members likely cut themselves, the disc came stuffed in a plastic sleeve, and the music on it was artful, if not completely polished — Thread is more carefully considered, from the art direction to the photography to the music. The playing is every bit as accomplished as before, but these songs are more memorable and compelling thanks to tighter arrangements, more interesting instrumental diversions, heightened dynamics and stronger melodies. Thread contains fifteen tracks — about five more than most full-lengths reasonably require — and it's a consistently rewarding listen throughout. - The Westword

There is a reason why people are proud to be a Fort Collins local; we have some awesome stuff come out of this town.

Maybe it’s because I’m already in weekend mode, but the thought of a cold Hoptober in my hand couldn’t sound better.

Or maybe it’s because I’ve spent the last few days listening to the new album from local band Fierce Bad Rabbit. If anything makes me proud to live in Fort Collins, it’s these folks.

Formed by front man Chris Anderson in 2009, the band is a collaboration of artists from such Colorado acts as Stella Luce and Arliss Nancy. Together, these four musicians absolutely rock it on their sophomore album “Spools of Thread.”

With 15 solid tracks, they aren’t kidding around either. There is something important about a full-length LP that many local artists have forgotten about. “Spools of Thread” reminds us of that.

According to the band’s website, fbrmusic.net, their influences include Arcade Fire, the Shins and Waylon Jennings. Add in a little Modest Mouse, the Killers and Airborne Toxic Event, and I can’t think of a better way to explain their sound.

If you are familiar with the artists above, then you know this musical concoction is worth more than a listen.

But don’t for a second think they sound like everyone else; they own their style in a way that is rare for such a fairly new group.

With their indie rock agenda, they start off with a quiet and wordless violin opening that moves into dancy folk tunes, a tinkley male and female piano duet, trumpet blares and guitar plucks.

The album concludes with the lyrics, “One day we will stop and say, well everything was all ok.”

For these four, that day is now. - The Rocky Mountain Collegian

On Saturday night, Alana Rolfe stands alone on the stage of the Aggie Theater with violin poised. In a red dress and matching lipstick, Rolfe’s classy attire marks an important night for her.

As she begins a beautiful violin solo, the large audience quiets down.

Slowly, one-by-one, the rest of the band files out onto the stage. There is an extra member for tonight’s show, making this quartet now a quintet.

As the intro fades and front man Chris Anderson snatches up his guitar and steps up the microphone, the crowd hoots and claps with excitement.

Fierce Bad Rabbit’s release show for their sophomore album “Spools of Thread” has begun.

The CD release show was presented by KCSU, Colorado State’s student-run radio station.

“By presenting shows in Fort Collins, not only do we help support our station but we also support the great artists that allow us to do so,” said Adelaide Mccomb, Promotions director of KCSU. “We will be presenting shows every Friday at the Ramskeller, and other venues around Fort Collins.”

Formed in 2009, this local band consists of four major Colorado musicians. Drummer Adam Pitner and violinist Rolfe are current members of Stella Luce, another predominant Fort Collins act.

“One definitely starts to take precedence over the other,” said Rolfe about balancing her time between the two bands. “Stella Luce was the main band a year ago, and isn’t anymore.”

With two albums released in less than two years, Fierce Bad Rabbit has become her main priority.

“I begged and pleaded, and offered riches and millions, and I’m still offering it,” said Anderson, who contacted his fellow band mates to form the quartet.

Their first album was made-up of songs Anderson wrote himself while in the band the Jimi Austin, but their sound changed as they grew as a group.

“Once we started playing live, we started getting a cool response that fueled all of us to do more,” said Anderson.

“We kind of have our s**t together. We’ve all worked really hard in years past … and we all kind of knew where we made mistakes, so you know, let’s not do that again. We are all a lot smarter now,” said Dayton Hicks, bassist of Fierce Bad Rabbit and former member of Arliss Nancy.

Their new album Spools of Thread is the result of this growth as a group

“I don’t think there’s anything off of “Spools of Thread” that wasn’t written in the last year,” Anderson said.

“We all had different inspirations for ‘Spools,’” Hicks said.

“There is kind of a theme of frustration and love, and believing and dealing with the challenges of believing in love, and pursing it,” Anderson said. “It’s not like these are love songs about a certain person or a certain thing. It’s really our love together as music and our belief in us wanting to do that, and share it with everyone.”

There are many things about their new album that makes them proud; one simply being that it’s done.

“We completed it, and the fact that six months ago we said we were going to make an album and we did,” Anderson said. “We didn’t know how we were going to pay for it, but we didn’t let that stop us.”

With hopes for a record label, Fierce Bad Rabbit understands how important their fans are to make that happen.

“There’s a lot of people that have really gotten behind us and embraced us to help us get us to where we’ve gotten, and hopefully that gathering of people behind us just gets bigger, Hicks said. “We’d just like to thank all those people, because we wouldn’t be anywhere without them.” - The Rocky Mountain Collegian

They’ve been making a name for themselves for awhile, so it’s about time that Fort Collinsindie band Fierce Bad Rabbit put out its first full-length album.

Saturday the CD, “Spools of Thread,” debuts with a release party at the Aggie Theatre, but fans can get sneak peek at the band’s website www.fbrmusic.com. You can also check out the band’s first release, the self titled “Fierce Bad Rabbit.”

“Spools of Thread” is about as lush as music can get, complete with swelling strings, catchy guitar riffs and song lyrics that give you something new to think about every time you hear them.

While there clearly are some strong pop-sensibilities here (one need look no further than the infectious “Everything’s Alright” for proof of that), “Spools” is so much more than a “pop,” or even an “indie-pop,” album. With Chris Anderson’s vocals (a dead ringer for The Killers’ Brandon Flowers) and the band’s smart, mellowly rocking songs, this is easily one of the best CDs out of Colorado this year.

The single “All I Have is You” was originally recorded in one night and released last year as a free download; the band’s video (directed by Fort Collins’ Tomas Herrera) won “Best Music Video” at the Film Festival of Colorado.

Fans can get a behind the scenes look at the making of “Spools,” which was recoded at Fort Collins’ nationally renowned studio The Blasting Room, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaQmt_hgqI.

I haven’t been this excited about a Fort Collinsindie band’s prospects since the much beloved Matson Jones (which, since breaking up and moving away, recently announced that two of the three original members will be reuniting for an as-yet-to-be-named group).

A sort of local “super” group, Fierce Bad Rabbit is comprised of musicians from other great local bands: Chris Anderson (The Jimi Austin), Alana Rolfe (Stella Luce), Adam Pitner (Stella Luce) and Dayton Hicks (Arliss Nancy). With a lineup like that, how could they go wrong?

The band is barely more than a year old, but what a year it has been.

Fierce Bad Rabbit was voted “Best Indie Rock Band” at the 2010 Fort Collins Musicians Association Peer Awards and Westword nominated the band for “Best Indie Pop.” They also performed at this year’s South by Southwest festival in Austin. - The Coloradoan

They’ve been making a name for themselves for awhile, so it’s about time that Fort Collinsindie band Fierce Bad Rabbit put out its first full-length album.

Saturday the CD, “Spools of Thread,” debuts with a release party at the Aggie Theatre, but fans can get sneak peek at the band’s website www.fbrmusic.com. You can also check out the band’s first release, the self titled “Fierce Bad Rabbit.”

“Spools of Thread” is about as lush as music can get, complete with swelling strings, catchy guitar riffs and song lyrics that give you something new to think about every time you hear them.

While there clearly are some strong pop-sensibilities here (one need look no further than the infectious “Everything’s Alright” for proof of that), “Spools” is so much more than a “pop,” or even an “indie-pop,” album. With Chris Anderson’s vocals (a dead ringer for The Killers’ Brandon Flowers) and the band’s smart, mellowly rocking songs, this is easily one of the best CDs out of Colorado this year.

The single “All I Have is You” was originally recorded in one night and released last year as a free download; the band’s video (directed by Fort Collins’ Tomas Herrera) won “Best Music Video” at the Film Festival of Colorado.

Fans can get a behind the scenes look at the making of “Spools,” which was recoded at Fort Collins’ nationally renowned studio The Blasting Room, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaQmt_hgqI.

I haven’t been this excited about a Fort Collinsindie band’s prospects since the much beloved Matson Jones (which, since breaking up and moving away, recently announced that two of the three original members will be reuniting for an as-yet-to-be-named group).

A sort of local “super” group, Fierce Bad Rabbit is comprised of musicians from other great local bands: Chris Anderson (The Jimi Austin), Alana Rolfe (Stella Luce), Adam Pitner (Stella Luce) and Dayton Hicks (Arliss Nancy). With a lineup like that, how could they go wrong?

The band is barely more than a year old, but what a year it has been.

Fierce Bad Rabbit was voted “Best Indie Rock Band” at the 2010 Fort Collins Musicians Association Peer Awards and Westword nominated the band for “Best Indie Pop.” They also performed at this year’s South by Southwest festival in Austin. - The Coloradoan

Fort Collins hasn't seen a band blow up since the departure of hometown heroes Tickle Me Pink, who appealed to the teenage population of the town with ease and exception.

However, the appeal that Tickle Me Pink brought out in Fort Collins youth left the older music lovers in Fort Collins slightly stranded.

Enter Fierce Bad Rabbit, Fort Collins' very own indie rock pride and joy. The four-piece has made a name for itself by playing the local bar scene, and recently the Aggie Theater.

And with its self-titled debut album, this Rabbit won't thump-off anytime soon.

The album opens up with "Everything is Alright," an optimistic tune that could set the scene for a Wes Anderson film opening. The song starts with a catchy keyboard jingle, which is soon accompanied by violist Alana Rolfe (Stella Luce), providing a dimension of orchestration not often seen from rock bands.

"Sink Like A Stone," perhaps the strongest track on the album, showcases vocalist/guitarist Chris Anderson's earnest, yet swanky, musical style as he croons over a guitar rift fit for a sleazy motel in all the right ways.

A slow ballad on the album, "Honey" flaunts the musicianship and pure melodic genius shown in Rolfe and Anderson's chemistry. The violin, which plays throughout the song, has a full and haunting sound, providing the melody of an entire string ensemble. Anderson, occasionally backed by Rolfe's vocals, throws perfect tone and a begging cry into an emotionally packed song.

Though Fierce Bad Rabbit is musically gifted in more ways than one, "Love Keeps Us Tough" displays Anderson's lyrical craftsmanship of simple, effective lines, like, "And we're all alright, in our own way."

Though not metaphorically thought provoking, the lyrics written by the band are simple and meaningful.

For a band formed in early 2009, Fierce Bad Rabbit deserves the name it has already made for itself. With an eight-song debut as strong as theirs, it begs the question how far down does the Rabbit hole go?

Music reviewer Ian Mahan can be reached at verve@collegian.com. - Colorado State University Collegian

By Dave Herrera in Freeloader

Fierce Bad Rabbit, the promising Fort Collins-based act led by Chris Anderson, formerly of the Jimi Austin, and featuring Dayton Hicks of Arliss Nancy, Alana Rolfe of Stella Luce and Adam Pitner, is currently working on a brand new record. Although no release date has been set yet for the new platter, we managed to get our hands on a pair of tracks from those sessions, "All I Have Is You," and "Move It Along," both of which were recorded at the Blasting Room by Pitner, who once kept time for Tickle Me Pink, and Suburban Hostage's Felipe Patino. - The Westword

Current and former members of The Jimi Austin, Arliss Nancy and Stella Luce recently joined musical forces to create something new — a band that goes by the name of Fierce Bad Rabbit.
With guitarist Chris Anderson, formerly of The Jimi Austin, Arliss Nancy bassist Dayton Hicks, Stella Luce’s Alana Rolfe and original Tickle Me Pink drummer Adam Pitner, Fierce Bad Rabbit has quickly stirred up the local music scene.
“We all have played here and there, and together we’ve created something more than we knew could or would sound this cool,” said Anderson. “We all met and re-met, and have seen this and have seen that, and then one day, boom — we all were in the same room and playing in the same key.”
After years of playing at the same venues and on stage with the same bands, it was only a matter of time before the foursome came together.
“We all met through the local music scene,” explained Anderson. “Everyone had met each other before at different shows and bars, and we all had a mutual respect for what each person had done in the past. ... We’ve all seen each other individually play in different projects on different stages, and so when we came together it had a very professional vibe.”
Anderson admits that things have come a long way since playing with their previous bands.
“I think that with The Jimi Austin, I was an absolute amateur when the band began. The four of us started in a room not knowing what we were capable of and not sure what we were going to become. ... I learned a lot from that band.”
Bringing their past experiences together, Anderson, Hicks, Rolfe and Pitner have found common ground in both music and life.
“We hope that we can bring to Fort Collins what it has brought to us — a great place, with some great music,” said Anderson.
Formed this past spring, Fierce Bad Rabbit has released a self-titled debut album, and the group continues to gain quite a following.
“It’s really inspiring to see people who seek you out because of music that you once played,” said Anderson. “People have been more than complimentary about both now and then, and it always makes me blush.”
With a roster of upcoming shows and ongoing plans to tour and record, Fierce Bad Rabbit continues to look forward, move ahead and do what they love.
“We are very interested in finding management and tour support, and we think label support would also be grand. ... But we’re all musicians, so at the end of the day we just want to make more music.” - Reporter Herald Press Release 7/24/2009

After fronting the Fort Collins-based indie-rock band the Jimi Austin for three and a half years, Chris Anderson was at a bit of a crossroads. Drummer Shane Zweygardt and guitarist Ian Haygood were pushing for more of a progressive dance-rock sound, while Anderson wanted to explore mellower songwriting. Before Anderson's three-month stint in Africa with his fiancée, who was in the Peace Corps, the guys in the Jimi Austin decided to disband on a high note, with three EPs and a full-length under their belts.
When Anderson got back home in January, he was itching to start a new group with tunes he'd written over the past few years, as well as "Mon Ami," a song he wrote in Africa that references the streets of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. In February, he formed an all-star band made up of some of the Fort's finest, including Stella Luce and Slow Crash violist and singer Alana Rolfe, original Tickle Me Pink drummer Adam Pitner and Arliss Nancy bassist Dayton Hicks. By late May, Fierce Bad Rabbit (the moniker was inspired by the Beatrix Potter children's book) had completed an outstanding eight-song, self-titled debut. We spoke with Anderson about how the band formed.
Westword: How did you all decide on which direction to go with the band?
Chris Anderson: Well, it wasn't like we ever really chose a direction. Alana came in around the second or third rehearsal on the viola — I think that really gave us an edge. I think we were sort of like, "Okay, we got the songs together." The first two songs we really got done were "Honey" and "Looking for Shore," and we had those rehearsed out a little bit. Alana played in a band called Slow Crash for years, and Jimi Austin always played shows with them. Alana and I had talked about playing for three and a half years. But I think maybe we had in mind that we were mainly going to be doing an acoustic and a viola. I called her up, and I was like, "I got this drummer and bass player." She kind of knew both of them already, and we all just got together.
So there wasn't a discussion about direction; I think we all want to make music that is very palpable for lots of different demographics, and I think that's what we're really pleased about. We got something that is not trying to be too clever; it is what it is. It's just some good songs with some good music in it. We haven't really discussed any kind of style we want to chase after. The funny thing is that when I met Dayton, I told him I kind of wanted to put together a country band. He's played a lot of country; he plays with Arliss Nancy. He said, "That's right up my alley." He showed up, and I'm playing the stuff, and I looked over and said, "This isn't really country — I just sort of said that." He said, "No, it's not, but I like it." So I guess that would have been the ill-direction of what we were trying to do. But there are definitely a lot of influences going across the board with all four of us. - The Westword-June 23, 2009

The album starts off with happy high notes, leading the way into a melancholy mood swing towards the mellow and somber. The first track, “Everything Is Alright,” is a friendly opener for an album with great pop sensibility. It reminds me a little of Mark Mallman mixed with a bit of mid 70’s Rod Stewart. It’s the way the keys sound and a few lines of vocals that remind me of the way Stewart sings.
Singer, keyboardist and songwriter Chris Anderson, formerly of The Jimi Austin, said it was the first happy song that he has ever written. Yet aside from the first track, the album does not completely break free from being a sad album overall. Songs “Sink like a Stone,” “Looking for Shore,” and “Mon Ami” remain in the category of sad bastard music.
It is Alana Rolfe, also of Stella Luce, who brings the album cohesion. Without her viola, the album would be left unfulfilled. Anderson stated that the songs seemed unfinished even during the recording process until Rolfe added just a little improv on her viola to complete them. Bass player Dayton Hicks, also of Arliss Nancy, says that he is prouder of this album than any other music he has ever worked on. He said while smiling, “It’s something I could play for my grandma.”
Light high hats from drummer Adam Pitner work well with Anderson’s keys on “The Tie That Binds” to create a low-key jazz club feel. Overall, this is a mostly mellow album that’s a pleasure to listen to. FBR’s next show is at Road 34 on July 24th. - The Scene Magazine, Mathew Martin July Issue

Current and former members of The Jimi Austin, Arliss Nancy and Stella Luce recently joined musical forces to create something new — a band that goes by the name of Fierce Bad Rabbit.
With guitarist Chris Anderson, formerly of The Jimi Austin, Arliss Nancy bassist Dayton Hicks, Stella Luce’s Alana Rolfe and original Tickle Me Pink drummer Adam Pitner, Fierce Bad Rabbit has quickly stirred up the local music scene.
“We all have played here and there, and together we’ve created something more than we knew could or would sound this cool,” said Anderson. “We all met and re-met, and have seen this and have seen that, and then one day, boom — we all were in the same room and playing in the same key.”
After years of playing at the same venues and on stage with the same bands, it was only a matter of time before the foursome came together.
“We all met through the local music scene,” explained Anderson. “Everyone had met each other before at different shows and bars, and we all had a mutual respect for what each person had done in the past. ... We’ve all seen each other individually play in different projects on different stages, and so when we came together it had a very professional vibe.”
Anderson admits that things have come a long way since playing with their previous bands.
“I think that with The Jimi Austin, I was an absolute amateur when the band began. The four of us started in a room not knowing what we were capable of and not sure what we were going to become. ... I learned a lot from that band.”
Bringing their past experiences together, Anderson, Hicks, Rolfe and Pitner have found common ground in both music and life.
“We hope that we can bring to Fort Collins what it has brought to us — a great place, with some great music,” said Anderson.
Formed this past spring, Fierce Bad Rabbit has released a self-titled debut album, and the group continues to gain quite a following.
“It’s really inspiring to see people who seek you out because of music that you once played,” said Anderson. “People have been more than complimentary about both now and then, and it always makes me blush.”
With a roster of upcoming shows and ongoing plans to tour and record, Fierce Bad Rabbit continues to look forward, move ahead and do what they love.
“We are very interested in finding management and tour support, and we think label support would also be grand. ... But we’re all musicians, so at the end of the day we just want to make more music.” - Reporter Herald Press Release 7/24/2009

Let's get one thing out of the way... Fierce Bad Rabbit is Bad Ass!!

They played their first show last night at the Surfside. In case you haven't
heard of them, it's Chris Anderson's (lead singer from the Jimi Austin)
new project. He's teamed up with Dayton (Arliss Nancy) on bass, Alana
(Stella Luce) on viola and backup vocals, not sure who the drummer was,
but he was great.

The show brought out a large crowd that I noticed mainly consisted of local musicians. Shane and Ian were front row, which was cool to see as they are his bandmates from the Jimi Austin.

Chris is one of my favorite songwriters in town, so I know I couldn't wait to see what he was creating now. I definitely was not disappointed. It took a couple of songs to get into what was happening. By the third song, they had found their groove and the crowd was into it. The sound reminded me of early Beatles right on the cusp of their pop transition to more experimental, with a Modest Mouse vibe coming through strongly. Not what I expected, but just what I wanted.

Here are a couple of pics from my phone. I need to figure out if I have a
flash, as they are not the greatest, but hope you enjoy anyway. Also,
check them out online at www.myspace.com/fiercebadrabbit
- www.fortcalling.blogspot.com by Greta Cornett

Fierce Bad Rabbit is neither bad, nor fierce nor any incarnation of a rabbit. They are, however, a new incantation of some of Fort Collins’ finest. Frontman and songwriter Chris Anderson played with The Jimi Austin. Violist Alana Rolfe is the frontwoman for Stella Luce. Tickle Me Pink’s original drummer is Adam Pitner. And Arliss Nancy’s bass player is now also keeping time for this new supergroup.

This amalgamation must be refreshing for all these players. The act’s sound doesn’t feel much like any other their other projects. Theirs is a loping, haunted gospel of car crashes and musical fabric strung-up in the barren willows along a country road. Theirs are songs of some kind watery torture – the shame of miscalculating your reach and understanding of anything, especially one’s self. Theirs are songs of all the ways I do not want to die. While something beautiful, I’m not so sure if FBR doesn’t scare me a bit in the way that theirs is a score to my fever dreams. Er, my waking life.

Fierce Bad Rabbit is Chris Anderson’s songwriting project, but it has quickly grown into an obvious love affair for all the accomplished musicians that Anderson has managed to pull around him. The attraction is obvious, for all the players, for the project. For while Anderson had many of FBR’s songs already composed on his acoustic guitar – the players around pushed sudden life into them and rapidly, the band had 8 tracks that were ready to record.

Anderson says that his songs find him. And like meeting a ghost in the empty, solitary night – you just let it happen. Because you have no choice. Songwriting, for Anderson, is a lifestyle. If not that, then it’s a metaphor for how you should live your life: with your eyes open and cataloguing what you find.

And this new project may just be that kind of thing which will last well beyond the grave; beyond the time when we all disappear from the meanings in Anderson’s words. The breadth that FBR has swirled together in each piece, and their entire current catalog, is remarkable. Each song possesses so many textures and space for linguistic play and meaning-making that, in the end, has the possibility to breathe longevity into the project as a whole.

While the band does make trips to Denver, they are aiming to stretch it out on the road in the coming year. So, keep up with them, here:

www.myspace.com/fiercebadrabbit - www.denversyntax.com by Jonathan Bits

Let's get one thing out of the way... Fierce Bad Rabbit is Bad Ass!!

They played their first show last night at the Surfside. In case you haven't
heard of them, it's Chris Anderson's (lead singer from the Jimi Austin)
new project. He's teamed up with Dayton (Arliss Nancy) on bass, Alana
(Stella Luce) on viola and backup vocals, not sure who the drummer was,
but he was great.

The show brought out a large crowd that I noticed mainly consisted of local musicians. Shane and Ian were front row, which was cool to see as they are his bandmates from the Jimi Austin.

Chris is one of my favorite songwriters in town, so I know I couldn't wait to see what he was creating now. I definitely was not disappointed. It took a couple of songs to get into what was happening. By the third song, they had found their groove and the crowd was into it. The sound reminded me of early Beatles right on the cusp of their pop transition to more experimental, with a Modest Mouse vibe coming through strongly. Not what I expected, but just what I wanted.

Here are a couple of pics from my phone. I need to figure out if I have a
flash, as they are not the greatest, but hope you enjoy anyway. Also,
check them out online at www.myspace.com/fiercebadrabbit
- www.fortcalling.blogspot.com by Greta Cornett