Frightened Rabbit, the five-piece Scottish indie rock band, returns with their newest EP, State Hospital, the precursor to their yet unnamed full-length album slated for release next year.
This Glasgow-based band has been known for its unique, crooning vocals from Scott Hutchinson and their brash, but relatable lyrics filled with pain and longing. The EP seems to be in line with the band’s 2007 release The Midnight Organ Fight, carrying a similar solemnity throughout the tracks. State Hospital, however, proves Frightened Rabbit’s prowess and solidifies the niche they have carved for themselves within the indie scene.
The opening title-track “State Hospital” sets the tone for the five-song EP. The soft, rhythmic bass contrasts with the evocative and truly heartbreaking narrative, creating a tune that is surprisingly easy to slip into. Equally as touching is the accompanying music video, featuring the pain of a patient within a state hospital that matches Hutchinson’s lyrics.
“Boxing Night” offers folky guitar strumming to a quick tempo, quickly reeled in by Hutchinson’s heavy lyrics. “Good Glasgow could burn to it’s bones tonight and I’d/barely blink an eye,” he sings, displaying Hutchinson’s talent for songwriting.
The high-pitched female background vocals featured on “Home From War” build up an indie pop classic. Heavy with drums, this track quickly appears to be the most upbeat and lighthearted of the album, at least by Frightened Rabbit’s standards.
“Off,” the fourth track, carries an ethereal quality, with mellow, echoing vocals throughout the song’s length. The song’s message appears to be one against technology, focusing on the importance of nature in lyrics such as “As the earth eats itself, swallows us whole/We can lie here hidden, pull the wires from the wall.” Similar to its message, “Off” has a clear and deserted sound, devoid from the distractions the band warns against.
The EP’s final song, “Wedding Gloves,” features fellow Scottish vocalist Aidan Moffat, former member of Arab Strap. His baritone, drawling voice, which recalls The National’s Matt Berninger, makes this the perfect closer. Moffat’s vocals contrast spectacularly with Hutchinson’s, producing an auditory give and take that makes the final track unforgettable.
The album seems to have a universality to it. The heavy focus on relationships, particularly failed ones, and the pain of loss are concepts that all people can relate to.
In State Hospital, Frightened Rabbit has created a solid base for the band’s upcoming album. Returning to their folk roots and relying on the strength of its lyricism has paid off in this five-song EP and can only be better on a full-length album.
