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Frightened Rabbit

The Midnight Organ Fight (2008)
Fat Cat Records

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Contributed by: wearestillalive
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 2nd 2008

This record is good. It is not the greatest ever made, and it is probably not the best of the year. It breaks no new ground, and is not even the perfection of a particular sound.

But it's really good.

Frightened Rabbit are the kind of indie rock band that Pitchfork likes, with plenty of acoustic-led songs, subtle synths and horn sections that break through Jimmy Eat World-style melodies, a singer who sounds like an energetic version of Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, the occaisonal country-esque guitar twang and fake drum beat, and lovely backing 'ooh's throughout. Oh, and most of it is about relationships.

It is the kind of record that, on first listen, you think "yeah, that's all right," and then ends up on slowly declining repeat cycles before being replaced a few months later by a band doing something pretty much the same.

Not exactly the same, though, as Scott Hutchinson's distinct Scottish accent is thick and smooth, just like the music, and really makes Frightened Rabbit stand out in a swarm of bands that are mostly coming out of America. It's a welcome change in an often-samey genre that leads me to believe that this particular album will put off its inevitable replacement a bit longer than Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Arcade Fire or Somebody Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin did.

So yes, not the best record of the year, but it may well make the top ten. I honestly cannot fault The Midnight Organ Fight in any way. A sprinkling of different instruments and influences keep the record varied, and while it may occasionally fade into the background, tracks like "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms," where the backing vocals come, oddly, to the forefront and really drive the song, or the pounding crescendo of "Keep Yourself Warm" or the soft acoustic glow of "Poke" bring it snapping back to your attention.

This is definitely recommended. Do not expect too much, and you will be pleasantly overwhelmed by something that is overwhelmingly pleasant.

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andrewg (December 3, 2008)

The indie posturing that people put on this album is ridiculous. It's just a really great pop-rock album.

inagreendase (December 3, 2008)

I could have sworn I gave this 4 stars when I posted it, how odd. Must have clicked the wrong number or something. Anyway, this is definitley a four star record.

You put too much emphasis on how pretty good the album is. I don't think an album's more than a 7 if you're not listening to it that much after only a few months have passed.

cyborgfrance (December 3, 2008)

I'm behind on these guys, so score at the moment is for being from Glasgow.

"This record is good. It is not the greatest ever made, and it is probably not the best of the year. It breaks no new ground, and is not even the perfection of a particular sound.

But it's really good."

Y'know, I feel the exact same way about the Born Ruffians record. Nothing out of the ordinary, just great great great songs that flow perfectly from one to the other. It's my favourite album of this year without a doubt... even if I've missed them live three times this year. Ouch.

positiveatom (December 3, 2008)

top 10 album of the year. production is flawless. songs are huge, well-crafted, self-deprecating, genuine and genius all at the same time.

this reviewer is high for not giving it 5 stars. not going to waste the time reading a review that's so obviously missed the point.

johngalm (December 3, 2008)

"broom" is a great record. what that has to do with this record, I have no idea.

this is not generally the shit that pitchfork is into and I was genuinely surprised to see it get a good review. regardless, easily one of my favorite of the year. top two.

StormShadow (December 2, 2008)

This is easily my album of the year. It's raw, sad, hopeful and pissed off, all at the same time.

I know the reviewer gave it a positive mark, but it sounds to me like he's not being completely honest about how much he likes this album. There's no reason to be shy or ashamed about liking something as flat-out amazing as this.

Also, fuck the whole Pitchfork connection. One of their writers is in love with this album and the rest don't seem as impressed. Frightened Rabbit is way, way more than just Pitchfork's crappy flavor of the week.

inspection12e (December 2, 2008)

This is great and so is Oregon Girl.

wearestillalive (December 2, 2008)

I have heard broom, and apart from maybe 'house fire', this album is way better. Seriously, waaay better.
I could have sworn I gave this 4 stars when I posted it, how odd. Must have clicked the wrong number or something. Anyway, this is definitley a four star record.

letschorock (December 2, 2008)

SSLYBY's first album, broom, kicks the junk out of this record. I'm calling you haven't even listened to broom. I'm not discrediting this album, but you as an editor.

joemomma420666 (December 2, 2008)

i like this band a lot. i dont frequent pitchfork, so i dont know if they're the newest of the super hyped indie bands (vampire weekend, clap your hands say yeah) that wont ever make another worthy album, but this ones cool.

cubaricho (December 2, 2008)

I hate that you mentioned Pitchfork in this review, it will turn so many people off of this record. This is a great record and easily one of the best of 2008. I recommend this record to everyone.