Rahim was a band from Long Island, New York, active from 2003 to 2008. They released two LPs, Laughter (Pretty Activity 2008) and Ideal Lives (Frenchkiss 2006), and one EP, Jungles (Frenchkiss 2005). The band existed with one foot in and one foot out of New York City. Originally from Long Island, they began in the humble manner of so many bands: as a group of friends allured by the wonder of making music together, releasing cassettes and seven-inches to a dedicated community. While the provinciality of their Long Island roots allowed for a unique musical direction, their proximity to New York City added an appropriate dose of urbane awareness and ambition. That combination of sound and vision yielded their EP and full-length to strong critical praise, and the band followed each release with a slew of national touring. Their long-cultivated vision is on full display on their second and final full-length, Laughter. It is a record of tense melodies, expansive synth textures and restless percussive energy. Founding members Michael Friedrich and Phil Sutton enlisted Chris Bordeaux into the band (after the departure of previous member Ryan McCoy) and headed to Baltimore to record with legendary producer J. Robbins, who produced both of the band's previous efforts. The songs create an anxious beauty that scans like the soundtrack to urban living on the brink of apocalypse, scored with a post-punk drum circle.