Written By Jessica Karlsson
Brother Rabbit – “These Days Are Not As Dark As They Seem”
Released August 18, 2026
Independent
These Days Are Not As Dark As They Seem, Brother Rabbit’s first LP release in 10 years, is
the kind of record that feels easy to get lost in. They have spent years carving out their own
path, combining indie art-rock and shoegaze with elements of post-rock, folk, and blues. In this
LP, the band has blended a sound that is dreamy, layered, and atmospheric with lyrics that are
meaningful and thought-provoking. An experimental experience with plenty of layers to sink your
teeth into, and it all feels introspective without becoming inaccessible.
The album has a laid-back quality while, at the same time, there is so much happening beneath
the surface. Every song carries a sense of nostalgia that is alluring to the listener. You can hear
the willingness to pull from different places throughout the album, and there’s something there
for everyone to enjoy. The sound of this album draws you in song by song without becoming
predictable. There is always a feeling that the songs might wander somewhere unexpected.
Across songs like “Silence on the Equinox,” “Microscope,” “Sun-Kissed in Barcelona,” and
“Radio Man,” Brother Rabbit manage to move through different moods while remaining
cohesive.
Once you begin to pay attention to the lyrics, These Days Are Not As Dark As They Seem
becomes even more meaningful. The lyrics carry a sense of hope and faith even in the darkest
of times, leading the listener to believe in something when the world around them is crumbling.
The title track feels like one of the clearest expressions of that idea. It reassures the listener that
“It’s going to be alright, even if it feels like all you can do is survive,” while also being reminded
of heavy topics throughout other songs such as grief, violence, poverty, abuse of power,
imprisonment and illness. Brother Rabbit has found light in unexpected places with their lyrics.
Musically, that message fits perfectly with the band’s sound. The intricate arrangements and
atmosphere of the music allow these heavy topics to exist within the album but still manage to
not weigh it down. The music is absolutely filled with melancholy, but alongside it is warmth. The
vocals and melodies never get lost in the mix, which gives the quieter sections just as much
impact as the louder moments within the album. The attention to detail in terms of
instrumentation and production is a huge part of what makes this album work so well. The
balance between the instruments and vocals is beautifully done. Nothing in this album is
overproduced.
This album is a refreshing and unique take on holding onto hope. It sticks with you after it ends.
Brother Rabbit has let us into their minds and hearts with this deeply personal work of art and
are allowing us to find our own meaning in it. These Days Are Not As Dark As They Seem is a
rewarding listen that becomes more meaningful the closer you pay attention.