The bar was cozy. Tartan scarves hung from the mic stands, and the gathering crowd was in a pretty festive mood for a sold-out Sunday night show in Allston. Frightened Rabbit [Myspace] took the stage, opening with the quite popular tune from their sophomore release, “The Modern Leper.” From that point forward, the crowd was strapped into a roller-coaster ride of upbeat, emotionally driven, sweat-drenched songs of dying love and hazy moral gray areas. They played each song as if it were their final encore song. Not only is their energy more contagious than a night spent shacking it up with Lindsay Lohan, but it’s impossible not to become wrapped up in their lyrical emotion – they push it right back onto the listener.

The bearded Scots weren’t showy on stage – they were collectively humble, and the crowd freely appreciative. It was a great vibe. On occasion, they offered up witty bits and quick one liners, making the crowd grin while simultaneously subduing “song hecklers.”

Song Heckler: “Play ‘Music Now!’”
Scott Hutchinson: (laughs) “It’s not on the set list man, but hey, you never know.”
Song Heckler: “Play ‘Music Now’ it’s your best song you have to play it!!”
Scott Hutchinson: “Well, thank you, and that may be, but to be honest mate, I’m just fuckin’ sick of playin’ it.”

It should also be mentioned that drummer Grant Hutchinson was wearing a “Where The Wild Things Are” t-shirt. Completely appropriate, given his exceptional (while slightly mental) drumming.

They played every song off of their latest release Midnight Organ Fight. On the album, it takes just a bit to get used to Hutchinson’s warbly voice. On the first listen, you might think “what IS this?” though slightly intrigued. On the second pass, you are drawn in, if not by the accent, the raw emotion. On your third play you are listening while simultaneously stalking out their next tour stop in your area. You will conclude that their album is amazing. While this is true, seeing them live is ace-high. Easily the best ten spot I’ve spent in a while.

“The Modern Leper” [mp3]

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Last 5 posts by Holly L. Perry

• Holly Perry Bids a Fond Farewell to RE - June 23rd, 2011
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• Go Stuff Yourself - The Thanksgiving Mixtape - November 26th, 2009
• Noah and the Whale - The First Days of Spring Review - November 6th, 2009