LIVE REVIEW: Double the Frightened Rabbit in NYC

Scotland’s Frightened Rabbit missed Coachella because of the Icelandic volcano, but they made it to NYC to play twice on Wednesday: at a sold-out Webster Hall show and an intimate acoustic in-store performance at Sound Fix Records in Brooklyn. Although nothing beats all five members throwing themselves into each gloriously angst-filled song (see our video of encore-closer “Keep Yourself Warm” for proof), Scott Hutchison’s emotive vocals easily carried the acoustic versions, making it seem like nothing was missing. The Sound Fix show also offered an opportunity for Hutchison to let loose and show that in addition to being extremely talented at channeling heartbreak into great songs, he has a killer sense of humor and quite a foul mouth. 

The songs from 2008′s The Midnight Organ Fight and this year’s The Winter of Mixed Drinks, when played together, paint a vivid picture of a difficult breakup, desperate rebound flings and, finally, recovery. Hearing Hutchison sing the newer, more optimistic songs like “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” and “Living in Colour,” it feels good to know that things got better for him – and of course, it’s a bonus that his songwriting remains as strong as ever.

Frightened Rabbit is touring through May, hitting The Fillmore in SF on May 19. 

At Sound Fix:

At Webster Hall:

More photos from both performances.