Rock Bunnies Speedmachine
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Rock Bunnies are a rare species of female musicians native to the Austrian Alps. Often found traveling in groups of four and occasionally joined by a male musician of similar origin, they tend to make a good deal of noise and cause general chaos. They are not soft and fuzzy woodland creatures…
The Rock Bunnies (officially known as Klaus Schubert’s Rock Bunnies) hail from Austria and are led by respected rock guitarist Klaus Schubert (best known for his work with the Austrian metal band No Bros). Originally performing as Schubert’s Blues Bunnies, the band decided to change musical direction and thus change their name to something more appropriate. Entering the studio in 2010, Klaus Schubert started to live every man’s fantasy – a male guitarist in an all-girl band (but that fantasy was later shattered by the addition of fellow male keyboard player and No Bros member Andi Brunner). Speedmachine is the Rock Bunnies first rock album, containing 16 songs in total, 11 studio tracks and 5 live tracks.
Tici Weitstreicher provides lead vocals. She has a relatively deep and strong voice but a somewhat limited range – at least it seems that way since she rarely gets the opportunity to push the top end. During the few moments that she does, it appears that she can indeed boost her range by at least an octave – and should do so more often. Klaus Schubert proves himself to be a fine lead guitar player – nicely done solos, smooth fills and a healthy does of blues influence characterize his playing. Medina Rekic is basically a kick-ass rhythm player, laying down some big hooks and bouncy riffs. Irene Ranz (bass) and Joy Plattner (drums) are a solid duo at the bottom end, with Ranz’s gurgling bass fills occasionally stealing the spotlight and Palttner’s drums always in control. Andi Brunner does a commendable job on the keys throughout.
Musical highlights include: the great guitar groove and harmony vocals of “Under My Skin;” the great interplay between, guitars, keys and vocals on “Heartbreakers;” the slick rhythm line of “Speedmachine;” the amazing blues guitars and piano of “Hells Fire & Angel Dust;” and the bouncy bass of the instrumental “Desperados On The Run.” The sound quality o the live recording is excellent, although it would have been nice to hear more crowd sounds. The mostly acoustic ballad “Let Me Down” is easily the best track on the CD and a terrific song overall, featuring fabulous guitar work and a great vocal line that allow Tici Weitstreicher to visit the high end of her range.
Speedmachine was engineered with power-metal perfection – definitely over engineered for a standard hard rock/metal album. The crystal clarity of the sound doesn’t fit well with the basic blues-rock musical style and leaves the CD as a whole with a sterile, cold sound. Musical arrangements were limited, with the songs falling into either the “medium speed rock groove over a Hammond organ” or the “slow acoustic ballad groove over a Hammond organ” class. Considering the raw talent of the band and huge variety of synthesizer sounds out there some variety would have spiced up the album. Only the full blues-rock “Hells Fire & Angel Dust” has its own personality.
Overall Speedmachine is a bit disappointing. While undoubtedly talented, the Rock Bunnies seem to be playing with their intensity level set to 8 or 9, rather than 10. Perhaps they are playing one too many cover tunes and are longing to play more of their own material, or maybe the ultra-precise power-metal style of engineering is just sucking the natural warmth out of the recording. There is something missing. Other female bands seem able to push the power to 11 (think Girlschool, Vixen, or The Runaways), but the Bunnies just haven’t found their full stride yet. However, they are a young band and have all of the T & A (Talent & Ability) to turn it up and make their next album a barn-burner. Let’s hope they do.
Recommended with warnings to fans of blues-rock or fans of female fronted bands.
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Tici Westreicher (vocals)
Irene Ranz (bass)
Medina Rekic (guitar)
Joy Plattner (drums)
Klaus Schubert (lead guitar)
Guest Musician – Andi Brunner (keyboards)
Track Listing:
1. Rock Bunnies Hymn
2. Under My Skin
3. Puppet On A String
4. Heartbreakers
5. Speedmachine
6. Hells Fire & Angel Dust
7. On A Better Way
8. Let Me Down
9. Kill The Lion
10. Carry On
11. Desperados On The Run
12. When A Blind Man Cries (Live Track)
13. No Tears (Live Track)
14. B3 In Rock (Live Track)
15. Stealin’ (Live Track)
16. Heavy Metal Party (Live Track)
Label: Pure Rock Records
Website: http://www.schuberts-rockbunnies.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10