After a long train journey with Cab Vol hangover in tow from the night before I finally made it to Aberdeen....the second coldest place in the world, Margaret Thatchers heart being the first. After meeting up with a fellow Frightened Rabbit devotee and checking into the hotel we made our way into town to try and track down the venue. After much wandering, Google maps perusing and Aberdonian bar chat we eventually made it to the Tunnels at 4:30pm. Yes 3 and a half hours does seem like a long time to queue but after the whole Cab Vol wankers situation from the night before better safe than sorry was the thinking! It wasn't long before we had company, followed by more and more and more until the queue had made its way outside the tunnel, up the hill and around the corner to M&S (other retail stores are available).
Finally after a long, but enjoyable queuing experience the clock struck 8 and the doors were opened. Unfortunately, according to the doorman, there were over 200 people that couldn't make it inside, again showing how far Frightened Rabbit have come in the past few years. Inside the venue a cheeky drink was purchased and haste was made to get front stage left in time for the support band. The support came in the form of local band The Little Kicks. Support bands can often be hit or miss but on this occasion it was a resounding hit and i'm sure these guys will go far (the brass section a was a particular highlight).
Check them out : http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Kicks/118594241569127
It was time for the main event, a varied crowd of old and new fans being the second set of ears to hear the new material as well as some classic songs from the past 3 albums. The playlist seemed to sync in with the Cab Vol(wankers) set-list from the night before, see below.
It's really difficult to critique the new songs. What do they sound like? Well they sound like Frightened Rabbit! Scott's heartfelt and meaningful lyrics (see boxing night), unmistakable vocals, the usual catchy riffs all in all just an amazing bunch of songs that wouldn't look out of place on the new album. Yes the sound has grown over time, more members have been added, and the songs have more production but deep at the heart of all that is a goodness that just resonates with any person whose ever picked up a Frightened Rabbit album and listened to a Scott Hutchison constructed song. All in all Aberdeen was an excellent experience, well worth the journey, well worth the queuing and well worth the mutant Aberdonian seagull attacks.
2012, Frightened Rabbit's year.................
