Th-th-th-that’s not all, folks

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Made up of Daniel Walters (left), Liam Walters, Amandine Mariette, Sam Florence and Dylan Dyer, as support act for The Search at TW Wines during the Wine and Food Festival, The Rabbits were able to play a set but couldn’t stay because it was an 18+ event. But on Saturday The Rabbits perform at Smash Palace as part of The Big Blues Up. Picture supplied

We’ve seen school-age bands The Search, Sit Down In Front, and the Lei Lows rock various stages and music videos and now The Rabbits are getting more and more play time.

On March 26, The Rabbits, made up of Daniel Walters, Liam Walters, Amandine Mariette, Sam Florence and Dylan Dyer star in the three-day Big Blues Up at Smash Palace.

Formerly known as Rabbits in Tuxedos, The Rabbits is made up of Lytton High and Boys’ High students. Their sound is essentially rock although they have penned one reggae-style song that rocks out at the end, says lead guitarist Dylan.

The band’s playlist is a mix of originals, and covers that include songs such as Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child, bluesman Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, ZZ Top’s Tush, and Th’ Dudes punk-inflected Bliss.

The band has tailored its playlist for The Big Blues Up.

“We have a mix of blues and some songs that aren’t as bluesy as the others,” says Dylan.

“I do enjoy blues. I like soloing over blues songs.”

Dylan has often taken part in Band School’s holiday programmes, which is where he was headhunted for his lead guitar skills.

“One day I was asked to join this band that had just started,” he says.

And he hopped into The Rabbits.

The band still gets guidance from Band School’s Ricky Boyd, and from Simon Mallet who give the young musicians feedback on the performance and pointers in their songwriting.

How is that for the band?

“Bloody amazing,” says Dylan.