Frightened Rabbit

Having only found out about Frightened Rabbit a matter of six months ago, by a Chuck-loving friend (the TV show appearing to be the way many people were first introduced to the band), I listened to their second album, 'The Midnight Organ Fight’ a few times and knew this was a band that I was going to be listening to for a while. Before their intimate gig at Birmingham’s o2 Academy 2, I got the chance to sit and chat with frontman and songwriter Scott Hutchinson.

MN: For any of our readers who have yet to hear your material, is 'Midnight Organ,’ a good place to start? Or should they go straight to the first album, or maybe the new one?

Scott: I’ve got to say the new album. The only thing I would say, is don’t go straight to the first one. It’s not generally the way that we sound right now. I think it’s always got to be the latest release, but they’re all good!

MN: Let’s talk about the new album. 'The Winter of Mixed Drinks’. Is it a continued story from Midnight Organ Fight or do you see it as a completely fresh project?

Scott: There’s definitely a tale that leads into it, with some reference points back to Organ Fight. I think it’s important, well to me anyway, that you’re getting a slice of someone’s life; not necessarily in a diary entry, or in a voyeuristic way. If you look at bands like The Hold Steady that I love, who have characters drifting in and out of their songs, from album to album even. I just love that story telling aspect.

MN: Is there anything in particular to look out for on the record? Are there any distinct new influences?

Scott: Well we’ve got this new guy who’s hanging around! Well he (Gordon Skene-newest member) wasn’t actually involved in the making of the record. This time around it was a bit different. We got a couple of new pieces of kit, like a sampler and a synthesiser. I did want to move away from being quite so obviously a guitar band/ The last record felt that way,it felt like a band, and I wanted to make more of a studio-based album.

MN: What about growing up, what bands were you listening to?

Scott: From 13-17 you’ve got a lot of Pearl Jam in there, Soundgarden,most of that Seattle stuff actually. Then you’ve got Scottish bands like Idlewild and The Delgados. There was also a lot of country stuff, like Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams.

MN: Who are you listening to now? Are there any bands that maybe you’ve toured with that you love, or some bands that 'made it’ at a similar time to you guys that you enjoy?

Scott: Well yeah right now I’m listening to a band called The Antlers who we toured with. They’re a phenomenal band. The guys got a great voice. I haven’t heard a voice like that since Jeff Buckley,I’m not overstating that at all. So yeah, The Antlers are incredible,and they’re breaking out now.

MN: If you could tour with one band in the world at any venue who would it be and where?

Scott: I would have to be Idlewild at the Barrowlands in Glasgow.

MN: Midnight Organ Fight saw pretty impressive reviews, was that a surprise or were you expecting it?

Scott: I mean if you make something that you’re not proud of or think it good then that’s a bit silly. You know, I liked it, thought we’d done a good job. There are a few things that we didn’t have time to do. The level of the amount of good reviews was definitely a surprise,you never expect that. I think I only read a couple of stinkers,the rest were all really good. I couldn’t have been happier.

MN: Is this album better? If you had to listen to one again in your life which one would it be?

Scott: I don’t really listen to 'Organ Fight,’ anymore, just because there are bits I don’t like about it. I think the new one is more complete. I don’t really like comparing the two, but personally I get more enjoyment out of listening to this (new) one.

MN: What about the writing process. Do you write all the songs? Does this work for the other guys? Do you write their bits?

Scott: I write their bits,everything. I’m a bit of a control freak like that. I’m trying to loosen off the reigns,I still give them a quarter of the royalties!

MN: From what I know of the way that the band formulated, you kind of added a new member each year. Are there any plans to extend the band any further?

Scott: No I think we’re done. Anymore and it starts to get into collective territory,and you become known for the size of your band.

MN: I know you played London KOKO a couple of nights ago, how was that?

Scott: Yeah amazing,that was a big show. It goes a mile up (balconies), so was great.

MN: What are your plans or goals for this year? Lots of touring?

Scott: Big American tour, biggest shows over there yet,European tour. Hopefully tons of festivals in the summer,I’m not allowed to say which! I’d get in terrible trouble for that. They’re all just starting to come in actually. We’re doing Coachella (California). Keep your eyes peeled though.

MN: If I were to say that I had V festival tickets,will you be joining me?

Scott: I couldn’t possibly say.

After a friendly encounter with Scott we watched the attempts of two support bands to warm up the crowd. The first, Goodnight Lenin, can only be described as a poor man’s Fleet Foxes. Some nice harmonies and peaceful tunes entertained for five minutes, however became a slight irritation as the set continued. The second support act, Airship, provided a decent set, filled with riff driven guitar songs that was pleasing on the ear, without leaving any desire to rush home and buy any of their material. It was clear that the crowd were more than ready for some Frightened Rabbits’.

Opener 'Skip The Youth’, from the new album was delivered meticulously and set the tone for the remainder of the gig nicely. 'The Modern Leper’ and 'Old Old Fashioned’ followed and were extremely well received by the crowd, who cheered as soon as any song from the 'Organ Fight’ album was played.

'The Loneliness And The Scream’, another song from the new album was most probably the highlight of the night. Atmospheric and almost anthemic, the song filled the room as arms were raised and eyes were peeled to Scott’s superb delivery. The gig continued in similar fashion, as the songs came alive to great appreciation from the crowd. 'My Backwards Walk’, 'The Twist’ and new single, 'Swim Until You Can’t See Land’ all seemed to gain something from being played live in a small room.

The encore began with Scott’s solo rendition of 'Poke’, which was innocent and subtle, yet completely endearing. The band finished on 'Keep Yourself Warm’, a personal favourite from the second album. Once again the vocals were flawless and the delivery almost romantic.

Scott’s banter between songs was friendly, casual and intimate and that was the defining feature of the gig. It simply wouldn’t have been the same in the main Academy room; although that is no doubt where this band is headed for. A superb gig, and definitely a band worth catching live.