Frightened Rabbit: Atmospheric Meditations on Anxiety and Depression

When asked why he named his band Frightened Rabbit, lead singer Scott Hutchison cited his tendency to flee other people as a result of his internal strife with anxiety and depression. Not limited to just the name, this theme reverberates through every atmospheric ballad present in this Scottish band’s canon.

While any artist can sing about social anxiety and relationship issues, there are two things that put Frightened Rabbit a notch above the rest. First, Hutchison’s lyrics are complex and he always finds a unique way to frame his inner turmoils and self-deprecation. Take the song “Footshooter” for example, where he compares his skepticism of love and pervasive insecurities to repeatedly shooting himself in the foot.

Second, Frightened Rabbit does an amazing job of layering intricate compositions that lead up to awe-inspiring crescendos. With every build comes an intensely satisfying conclusion that feels fresh every time. This was something they mastered in their sophomore album and was on display in the song “My Backwards Walk,” where the added instrumental layers are subtle yet effective.

Fast forward to today, where the sound is cleaner than ever and the lyrics remain deep and poignant. Every album from this indie-folk group is a home run, so take some time to soak in a catalog that cannot be missed.