INTROSPECTIVELY contemplating the flaws of men (Acts Of Man), welcoming the end of life (Dead Now) and solemnly serenading hopeless pessimism (Nitrous Gas), Scottish doom merchants Frightened Rabbit offer up their fourth slice of delicious misery-cake. Combining the best bits of fellow countrymen Aereogramme’s later work – atmospheric, evocative indie rock – with the pop sensibilities of a post-Infinity Land Biffy Clyro (The Woodpile), the Selkirk quintet manage to turn heartbroken, pessimistic subject matter into a comforting, reassuring friend. Maybe it’s the enrapturing lilt of Scott Hutchinson’s voice, maybe it’s the music that gets into the bones and shakes you awake, but, despite its dour content, this is a life-affirming album.
Stephen Milnes
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