Frightened Rabbit

The Winter of Mixed Drinks (Fat Cat)

By Daniela Garcia
Published: April 1st, 2010 | 1:00pm

It almost goes without saying that Frightened Rabbit is one of those bands whose music does not in any way relate to their name. There is nothing timid about the band’s brand of indie rock, which is in full form on their latest release, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. This being their third album, it’s apparent that Frightened Rabbit has mastered their melodic sound—all 11 tracks flow together extremely well, effortlessly swinging between steady, fast-paced rock and subdued, melancholy folk.

Unlike their sophomore album, a quintessential lyrical ode to heartache and loss, The Winter of Mixed Drinks shows that, although Frightened Rabbit may still suffer from some form of self-loathing, there are hints of optimism and hope hidden away in certain tracks. The first single released prior to the album, “Swim Until You Can’t See Land,” manages to set the tone perfectly. It’s a song that is every bit about drowning as it is about surviving. Vocalist-guitarist Scott Hutchison sings about contemplating his fate as he drifts out at sea while challenging both himself and the listener: “Swim until you can’t see land / Are you a man or a bag of sand?”

Frightened Rabbit also has to be commended for how astute they are at creating their songs with so many layers of sound. “Skip the Youth” builds up as various instruments are introduced only to ebb away abruptly as Hutchison’s voice and the tinkling keys of a piano begin; it then builds back up again into a grandiose release of sound. This song, along with others like “Living in Colour” and “Not Miserable,” also showcase the excellent use of strings that manage to fit in perfectly among the guitar and piano. All aspects of the music are blended together masterfully, with no aspect overshadowing another. If their already large following isn’t enough proof that Frightened Rabbit is well on its way to the top of the indie rock scene, this album should be able to convert any leftover non-believers.

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