Rahim

No band will ever be able to fill the hole in my heart that was once Q and Not U. As unfortunate as that is, there are certain bands that carry on the sound of the Dischord pioneers. Rahim has been likened by many to the D.C. band as well as other similar acts such as Gang of Four, Rites of Spring, and Fugazi. I understand where the comparisons come from. The moment I began playing "Forever Love," I thought I was hearing Chris Richards' voice again. The song is very reminiscent of slow-paced Q and Not U songs such as "Air Conditions" and "Snow Patterns." The clapping in "One at a Time," a song off their Jungles EP, instantly brought me back to "No Damage Nocturne" and the Different Damage era. Understandably, Rahim struck a chord with me. But as much as they sound like, dare I say, one of the greatest bands of all time, I could understand how anybody would get fed up with constant comparisons to other musicians. Rahim have their own sound which has brought them quite an amount of indie acclaim. Their latest release, Ideal Lives, will find place with both Dischord punks and Pitchfork elitists. Take the song "10,000 Horses." The track begins with an ambient guitar and keyboard sound leading into a verse that's more comparable to any indie-garage band rather than to the D.C. scene. Regardless of what these guys sound like, listen to them for who they are. Rahim is a refreshing return to years past as well as a promising glint of hope for music to come. Rahim - 10,000 Horses Rahim - Forever Love -Adrian