Frightened Rabbit "The Midnight Organ Fight" (Fatcat)
By Kimberly Rosenbauer
Friday. May 23, 5:55 PM
No bagpipes here.

Far from its birthplace of Scotland, Frightened Rabbit are trying to make it in America. With The Midnight Organ Fight having been recorded in Connecticut, headlining tours in the Midwest and West Coast, and performances at SXSW all happening in the past year, they’re well on their way. Especially since the underground buzz about the band and their tours have all happened before the record’s release.

Channeling a little Bright Eyes, a little Clem Snide, and a little Scottish folk, the group’s three members have created a sound that evokes many oxymorons. Folk music + indie rock. Rough-edged + charm. Big sound + no bassist.

Frontman Scott Hutchison’s strong Scottish accent adds yet another layer of interest to Frightened Rabbit’s sound. Especially when on top of some tracks’ serene and mellow melodies, Hutchinson sings such dark and fierce lyrics. On “Heads Roll Off,” the first single, he sings, “Jesus is just a Spanish boy’s name / how come one man got so much fame?” On “Good Arms vs. Bad Arms,” he sings, “I might not want you back, but I want to kill him.” In fact, on songs like “Poke” and “Old Old Fashioned,” the fine line between Scottish folk ballads and rock may only be the difference made by Hutchinson’s lyrics and singing style.

But don’t get me wrong: Frightened Rabbit don’t sound like they're ready for a parade with old men wearing kilts. The group has simply expertly eased the music of their heritage into an indie rock formula. As a result, although Scottish folk music has been around for ages, the group’s music still has a fresh and new vibe.
www.frightenedrabbit.com
www.fatcat.co.uk

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Kimberly Rosenbauer

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