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Frightened Rabbit
The Winter of Mixed Drinks
By Emily Zemler
Frightened Rabbit began garnering much-deserved attention after the release of its second album, 2008’s The Midnight Organ Fight. The Scottish fivesome not only drew laudatory reviews, but also garnered public declarations of fandom from other musicians and several celebrities. Singer-guitarist Scott Hutchinson’s honest, thoughtful lyrics and the band’s moody yet uplifting melodies were undeniable. That holds true again here, on the band’s third album. Unlike Midnight Organ, which was recorded in live takes, The Winter of Mixed Drinks encompasses a fuller sound and offers a deeper laying of instrumental parts — giving greater support to Hutchinson’s literary verses and relatable choruses.
Initially released last November, the single “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” is the clear standout. It’s emotive and compelling yet somehow optimistic. In fact, Frightened Rabbit seems to have the rare gift of crafting strongly emotional songs that leave you reflective and hopeful despite some of the dark tones. It’s clear that this band has fans not just because the music’s good — which it is — but because that overarching feeling reflects our lives, which are both incredibly depressing and strikingly amazing.
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