ComfortComes

Review: Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks

A good spirited third album from Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, who were born in Selkirk in 2003. There are 5 band members now, but the initial line up was just lead vocalist Scott Hutchinson. The extra members are Billy Kennedy, (guitarist and basist) Andy Monaghan,(guitarist) drummer Grant Hutchinson,(brother of Scott) and keyboard/guitarist Gordon Skene. Their sound is a mix of Beach Boys and Stealers Wheel.Their album is shrouded in mist so to speak,with a fair few repetitive musical phrases in the tracks.Sometimes its hard to tell where one track ends and the next begins, because of their structure,but no matter, the album is still a pleasant listen,if somewhat rather too shoegazey in places. At times, Scott Hutchinson’s vocals sound rather like Brandon Flowers, it has to be said. “The Loneliness and The Scream” is a track I rather liked, with its sad urgency and catchy chorus. “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” is very folksy,hopeful and the best track on the album, in my opinion. Speaking of hopeful, Scott Hutchinson was to be heard on BBC6 Music this morning telling of his relief that the band had released this album, and saying that he thought things were moving forward for Frightened Rabbit, from this moment. The NME gave this album 8 out of ten in their review. Have a listen, you won’t be disappointed.