Album Details

• Artist: Frightened Rabbit
• Album: Pedestrian Verse
• Label: Atlantic
• Year of Release: 2013
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: nlathy on 2013-02-06

Frightened Rabbit has a good sound. It's unique and inventive.

It's not always cheery. But even on a song as dark as "State Hospital" they can come up with a good hook. Scott Hutchison's lyrics can be a downer, such as on "Nitrous Gas."  Here someone meets the result of having a run-in with the song title.

Taking shots at organized religion is a favorite target of rockers. It may not be anything new, but it helps if the music is catchy. It's hard to find a better beat than on "Holy.

When you think the music can't get any faster, they rock harder on "Woodpile," the best cut on the album. Hutchison's singing fits in with the band's relentless power. The music takes eerie turns. Check out "December Traditions." Hutchison seems to want to make things better, but he's at a loss.

He may not be the best choice to turn to for a life raft. Hutchison is left to reflect on his own predicaments. It's angst at its most sullen. But in the world of rock, helplessness equates with vision. A springboard is provided for instrumental acceleration.

The backing vocals work well. The band can take on diverse styles. There's some attempt at conceptualism throughout the album. There are two songs called "Housing."

The listener doesn't have to spend a lot of time contemplating these lyrical themes. The listener can focus on Grant Hutchison's drumming. Andy Monaghan's guitar work fits in well with Scott's singing.

The singing goes beyond instrumental imitation. It brings out the mood of the songs. Delivered with the haunting beauty.

They already know how to keep the interest level up. Maybe somewhere along the line, this band will have some fun, too. But at least the technique provides inspiration with its  efficiency and passion.

You don't have to play in the garage to provide electric escapism. The warmth of the studio provides a good respite, too.

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