Thank You, Scotland, For Bringing Us Frightened Rabbit

Some albums are life defining. They carry such emotional weight that, without them you'd feel lost. We all have different albums that fit into this category, all with varying reasons behind this powerful status. Many indie rock fans couldn't live without Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" or Wilco's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.'

This year, Frightened Rabbit's "The Midnight Organ Fight" came out of nowhere (Scotland) and has been impacting the lives of a lot of indie rock fans, thanks to Scott Hutchinson's earnest, and very relatable lyrics.

Powerful songs like "Backwards Walk" and "Keep Yourself Warm" have made this one of the finest releases of 2008, and have personally played significant roles in my own life. When heartbreak strolled into my life, "The Midnight Organ Fight" became one of my best friends, always there when I needed it. For this reason, I credit Frightened Rabbit as having an everlasting effect on my life.

Hutchinson and Frightened Rabbit were at Southpaw in Park Slope Wednesday night. To the relatively-unknown Scottish band's surprise they not only brought out a crowd on a week night, but they sold it out. It was a fine way to wrap up their US tour with Oxford Collapse. Combining elements of early U2, the Mountain Goats and a thick Scottish accent, the songs felt more raw in the live setting. Late in the set, after great high-energy versions of  songs like "Heads Roll Off" and "I Feel Better," the band broke out a cover of The National's "Fake Empire." "Fake Empire" led perfectly into wonderful ballad "Backwards Walk." For an encore, Hutchinson returned to the stage alone to perform "Poke," before the whole band returned to end it with their best song "Keep Yourself Warm." The members of Oxford Collapse, with whom the band shared many jokes about the [giant Eddie Murphy head], joined them to make it truly spectacular.

Some people need therapists or Oprah, I just need a good record. I need Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, John Lennon, Jeff Magnum, Damon Albarn, Joe Strummer, Paul Westerberg, Will Sheff...and now Scott Hutchinson.

Photos by [Jonny-Leather]