September 21, 2012

Frightened Rabbit - 'State Hospital'
Frightened Rabbit Tickets

Scott Hutchinson and co finally return to form

8 / 10 Following 2010’s lacklustre third album ‘The Winter Of Mixed Drinks’ and 2011’s slightly better ‘A Frightened Rabbit’ EP, the ‘State Hospital’ EP is, thankfully, a return to the sort of form that once had singer Scott Hutchison touted as one of the UK’s most expressive lyricists. The title track is a stunning burst of anthemic social conscience. ‘Wedding Gloves’, featuring Arab Strap’s Aidan Moffat, is FR’s most ambitious work to date. And ‘Boxing Night’ is the brilliantly realised aftermath of 2007 single ‘It’s Christmas So We’ll Stop’, as Hutchison’s morality is challenged by loneliness and bottles of spirits. It’s a fine build-up to the Selkirk quintet’s fourth album, due out early 2013.

Jamie Crossan

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