Burlington, Vermont’s Robber Robber are one of those bands who defy easy categorization. I don’t know if they’re unpigeonholable but they do incorporate a bunch of disparate elements into their off-kilter brand of indie rock. One of the first things you notice on their debut album is the drums; co-founder Zack James has a unique style that is both lithe and powerful where live drumming hits side-by-side with either triggered samples or drum machines. He gives the band a unique backbone that effortlessly slips between easy groove and industrial clank, and locks in step with Carney Hemler’s bass. Then there’s the guitar interplay between singer-guitarist Nina Cates and Will Krulak; their instruments dance around each over, sometimes slashing, sometimes blurring together, sometimes slapping you in the face. Cates’ vocals are chameleonic as well, capable of a breathy coo that lends itself to “Wild Guess” shoe gazier moments (“Sea of War,” “Seven Houses”), but also banshee wails and heavy-attitude snarl.
Robber Robber are at their best and most memorable when throwing curveballs — the push-pull mechanics of “Backup Plan” and playful ripper “How We Ball” — which thankfully makes up most of “Wild Guess”.
released July 26th, 2024
Written and produced by Nina Cates and Zack James
The Fat Angel Sings 