Long‑time Eugene music fans gathered at Mac’s Nightclub and Restaurant on Friday, Nov. 6, to celebrate the release of Daddy Rabbit’s seventh album, Double Feature. The band, known for its 1950s‑ and 60s‑style rock ’n’ roll, has held every album‑release party at the intimate venue since its formation 13 years ago.
New sounds, cinematic concept
The 19‑track record is split into two “films.” The first half, titled “The Summer of Lost Love,” follows a classic romance arc, while the second half, “The Monster With Three Heads,” takes a horror‑themed turn. Guitarist and vocalist Robert Jacobs explained that the album is meant to feel like a night at the movies, with each song offering a distinct hook and mood.
Fans heard a noticeable evolution in the band’s sound. Songs such as “Party Time” and “Funky Halloween” weave in hip‑hop vocalizations and Motown‑style arrangements, a departure from the group’s traditional rock roots. Jacobs noted the influence of Run‑DMC’s call‑and‑response style, saying, “We’re utilizing Run‑DMC vocalizations, because those guys trade stuff back and forth every other word.”
Live energy fuels the performance
During the release party, the crowd’s enthusiasm seemed to lift the band’s performance. Jacobs described the experience as a “feedback loop”: the more people danced, the better the band played, which in turn got more people moving. Bassist and vocalist Josh Swearengin echoed that sentiment, adding, “It just kind of brings me a lot of joy to see how much joy it brings the people that we play for.”
Mac’s regulars filled the dance floor with classic moves like the mashed potato and the sprinkler while the band delivered originals such as “Stone Cold Fox” and “Boogeyman,” alongside beloved covers of “Tainted Love” and “Love Shack.”
Recording in a single day
True to their DIY ethos, Daddy Rabbit recorded all instruments for the album in a single day, a method Jacobs says captures an immediacy lost in segmented sessions. The band set up a makeshift studio: drummer Kasey Rajkovic and Swearengin played in a living room while Jacobs recorded guitar and vocals from a bedroom. After the instrumental tracks were laid down, the vocal overdubs were added a few weeks later, with Rajkovic and Swearengin sharing a single microphone for backing vocals.
“It was just the hardest time to synchronize that without eye contact,” Rajkovic recalled, noting a moment when a repetitive beat threatened to stall the session. The entire project took roughly six months from conception to final master.
Why Mac’s remains the home base
Mac’s intimate atmosphere and loyal patrons keep the band returning for each CD release party. Swearengin said younger listeners often stop by after the band’s set, and Rajkovic enjoys watching kids as young as five or six mimic guitar parts and tap their feet. “They tear it apart. They analyze it,” he laughed.
As the night wound down, Jacobs offered a simple deal: “Buy our newest album on CD for $10, or get two for $20.” The crowd responded with laughter and applause, underscoring the strong community bond that has sustained Daddy Rabbit through more than a decade of performances.
Looking ahead
With “Double Feature” now in the hands of fans, the band plans to continue touring the Pacific Northwest, bringing their blend of classic rock energy and new‑era influences to new audiences. Jacobs admitted a hint of nervousness about how longtime fans will receive the stylistic shift, but expressed confidence that the album’s cinematic structure and varied hooks will resonate.
“I’m really proud of this album,” Rajkovic said. “Every song has a different hook. It takes you to a different place.”
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
