I don't know why... perhaps I'll die, springs to mind when I try to rationalise and understand the reasons as to why it has taken me, until possibly the wettest night in early November, in London, to finally pull my big bones to see the frightfully good - Frightened Rabbit. www.myspace.com/frightenedrabbit
The location, excitingly one of the blue properties on the Monopoly board, "Pentonville Road", in a pub called The Lexington - www.thelexington.co.uk was an apt venue for such a night and held a lot of dry people which didn't bode well with my newly found washed out look. However, not even the treacherous rain could dampen the spirits for this gig, even if I did smell like wet dog in my soaked through cool kid wannabe Duffel coat.
Well, this has to be the best £11 I have spent in a long time, I thought to myself as I waited in anticipation for the scared animals to arrive. Support was in the form of a band called Galchen www.myspace.com/galchen, also from the Kingdom of Scotland. An interesting band with no vocals. This could definitely be described as an experimental song with the focal point being placed on the drummer, who did not disappoint with some special riffs and excellent stand out solos. Three guys who indeed know their sounds and how, more importantly, to complement each other.
The feeling of jubilation bubbled from within as the boys from the motherland burst into bloom in album order, prevailed with an excited little man in the audience who had more of a techno rave wiggle than an alternative folk/rock tap of the foot, occasional whoop and nod of the head.
The lyrical genius lines such as 'This is how the modern stay scared' and 'You're the shit and I'm knee deep in it' and on and on and Ariston. The jovial Scots kept the humour well topped up and the lead, Scott Hutchison, getting overly excited about the introduction of the newest rabbit - Gordon Skene (formerly of Make Model)- say hello Gord - who it has to be said is more of a percussion addition and quirk factor than anything else.
Do they need more? Or is less better? The feeling of a slightly swelled mammal brings fear when it comes to new material. Verdict is still very much out but Gordon definitely added value with a gig first for me with the introduction of playing the electric guitar with a fiddle! Eclectic and majestic all at the same time. http://www.nme.com/news/frightened-rabbit/48113
As the evening rolled the preciseness of the music became stronger, louder and more emotional. The brothers at the heart of Frightened Rabbit began to feel every beat running through their bodies with obvious displays. First off Scott moving his body like the music and beat were his pulse. Every strum and pick of the guitar and big beat of the drum moving the man ever so slight in a way that look oh so controlling. His brother and drummer, Grant, looking menacing and devilish after soloing before the encore. Hitting the kit with more and more vigour, before finally erupting into a spitting shouting King Kong like figure, as the beats took hold. An angry Cadbury's gorilla is the only way to describe the big man.
The lack of new songs was refreshing, as FR realised that they were playing to the dedicated follower who wanted to rock and whoop away to their favourites. 'Swim Until You Can’t See Land', from the upcoming Spring 2010 album 'The Winter of Mixed Drinks' the new single, was one of two exceptions which was utterly delightful, with a up-beat feel compared to the break-up inspired dits that had previously showcased and delivered FR from obscurity.
What a band, what a night, what a venue. I hope, beyond hope, that the new happier songs and imminent album keep this rabbits foot thumping and the burrow of fans expanding.
Boys, hats and smelly Duffel coats off to you. You should feel triumphant.
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