Huddled Penguins In The Presence Of Greatness

Last week I saw one of the best shows I have seen in the last few years: Frightened Rabbit at Johnny Brenda’s. Yes, I admit to a well-developed infatuation with these gentlemen from Scotland. However, that night it was fairly clear that the admiration was mutual as they put on a show that let the crowd (who braved the chilly Philly temps to see them play) know that the really appreciate them as well. Before I get into the review of the show I must comment on the factors that made it more than just a fantastic concert but an incredible experience. First, the tickets were affordable, the venue small and FR’s sound was clear and balanced. Second, they set up quickly and at a decent time (1145) not pulling any headliner diva bull shit making it clear they had respect for the waiting audience. Finally, they actually listened to their opening acts from the crowd. They are still new enough that they can pull that off without too many people noticing or bothering them. I, of course, twitterpatted a spot when I recognized all four fellas standing around me taking in the openers. And, no I didn’t talk to them. Possibly a missed opportunity but I don’t like talking over live music especially when its good and I didn’t really know what to say with such a stunted moment. I can report they were gracious to the few folks who gushed over them once they recognized who they were (usually after hearing them speak). I still think it was pretty fab to simply have shared a moment when we were all just listening to music together.

But, folks the performer audience dynamic that followed was one of those I will not soon forget.

At the outset Scott (the lead singer) mentioned they weren't accustomed to sold out audiences and they would do their best to repay our attendance. As with the show I saw last fall their stage presence was very natural and there timing and rhythm incredibly tight. As they worked their way through the majority of their published tracks -- The Twist, Old Old Fashioned, Good Arms vs Bad Arms-- there was no sense of boredom or routine. They rocked the entire time, genuinely and with true fun.
I was totally delighted to hear them play Backwards Walk amongst the rest. Its one of my favorite songs and they gave a bit pared down spin. Playing up the guitar to match the hollowness of the organ without diminishing it. It was exceptional. The fellas even threw in a few of their older unreleased bits and while its obvious they have grown a lot its was nice to see them playing around with their set list. After an hour of rollicking good fun they left gradually left the stage one by one leaving the drummer (Billy I believe his name is) to take them out with a bang. Had it ended their I would have been plenty pleased but the crowd wasn't about to let them leave without an encore.

Scott came back on stage alone, guitar in hand, and played a solo version of Poke. Standing in front of the amps and mics it was a breath takingly gorgeous rendition. So simple yet filled with the emotion the lyrics convey. Its rare to have such an intimate moment at a rock show but is perhaps one of the reasons I like FR so much, they're emotional while still managing to be fun and catchy. I cannot wait for their next stop in town and to hear what they will have to offer on their next release.

Frightened Rabbit MySpace
Drop.io Links

Behave
Good Arms vs Bad Arms
Poke

Frightened Rabbit Show Review

I saw Frightened Rabbit on Friday night at the First Unitarian Church. They were opening for Spinto Band for whom the night was serving as their official CD release but I tell you, most of the people there had come out to see this threesome from Scotland.

As I am newish to formally reviewing shows I'm not sure if I can capture how spectacular this show was. So I'll just start from the beginning. The sound was a little wonky to start, it is the basement of a church after all*, but after they got that balanced the boys glistened.

Their post punk influence is much more apparent when you see them live and can really feel the driving bass drum and see the way these fellas rock out together. I can't tell you how much a true connection and balance of talent/musical understanding contributes to a live show. They played stuff off of their new album The Midnight Organ Fight as well as their freshly released live album Liver! Lung! FR! both of which should be purchased by you all post haste. Highlights were

•The Modern Leper which is probably the best song written with references to Leperosy and when played live have an energy the isn't on the album (but is still a valid tune)when the rhythm is pumped up a bit more you really feel the drive of this song.

The Modern Leper

•Old Old Fashioned which is the kind of tune you wish your friends who are in band would have written so if anything you had one reason to go to their shows. The lyrics to this song are grand and made for a good sing along with the crowd.

Old Old Fashioned

• They closed with Keep Yourself Warm which is the song that first grabbed my attention months ago. It is a gem of an honest relationship song and really tied things up very nicely. There is something about the singing "It takes more than fucking someone to keep yourself warm" in a room with a bunch a strangers in the mess hall of a church that has a delicious irony.

Keep Yourself Warm

If they had played Backwards Walk it might have been too good to be true and now I have real motive for seeking them out when they come back through the East as headliners this winter. The crowd wanted more after they left the stage and stood around makin noise for a while but FR didn't return to the stage. I was standing by the sound board at this point and their manager came back to let the guy know they weren't coming back out (despite the fact that EVERYONE there was bowled over by them and wanting to see what else they could put out there) because, he said, they (FR) didn't want to steal Spinto's glory at their release show a far more endearing end than any encore could have provided. Well played guys.

It would be well worth your money to see Frightened Rabbit when/if they come through your town.

* One of the reasons I so love this city they have some fabulously unique venues. Besides First Unitarian Johnny Brenda's is an old dance hall and the Trocadero is an old Chinese theater.

Frighten Rabbit on Myspace