Photo Credit: Patrik Anderson
Rubblebucket has reemerged today to share “Rattlesnake,” a new single from the pioneering art-pop duo that pushes its endlessly evolving sound in a new direction. Loosely adapted from “Time For the Rattlesnake,” a recent poem from lead vocalist Kalmia Traver, the combo fits the lightly psychoanalytical musings to a spaced out and undeniably danceable backbeat, swirling with ornate instrumentation to produce quite possibly “the funkiest song they’ve ever made,” per a release.
Building out from the slinking two-step of an understated bass line, “Rattlesnake” builds to neo-disco pop perfection with a chorus of horns, prowling congas and the first string arrangement featured on an entry from the band since 2014’s “Carousel Ride.” This far-out and ornate entry finds a perfect compliment in the accompanying music video, which sets the track in a glittering, minimal and futurist discotheque dance-a-thon.
“A few years before I wrote the rattlesnake poem, my mom and I were on a 30-mile bike ride,” Traver divulges on the song’s background. “Just off the path we spotted a massive rattlesnake lounging in the dappled forest sunlight. It was my first time ever seeing one and my instinct was to stop and get a good look. My mom’s instinct was to get the hell out of there, and we laughed later about this dynamic.” Digging deeper, she recalls, “The beauty of it took my breath away. But I later ruminated about how even when I am faced with the most breathtaking of our planet’s offerings, it can still be very hard to be present, focused & relaxed because of the chronic anxiety from which I suffer.”
“Rattlesnake” arrives as Rubblebucket’s second single of 2024, following the warm and radiant “Stella the Begonia.” As the band’s first solo offerings since 2022’s Earth Worship, fans can no-doubt anticipate more fun-forward smart pop from the well-loved group in the near future. To stay in touch with the band’s movements, visit rubblebucket.com.
“Rattlesnake” is available on all streaming platforms now; watch Rubblebucket’s music video for the song below.
