Frightened Rabbit at Koko, London

Last night was the second gig in the space of a week for me. Both at Koko, both with excellent company. This one certainly topped last week’s Wild Beasts.

We got in the venue around 8pm and managed to catch the last couple of songs of Hjaltalín’s set – they deserve a mention for two reasons. Firstly, they had an ace female vocalist. She might have been playing an instrument too, but I wasn’t watching the stage at that point. I did glance in it’s direction to notice their second selling point: they has a bassoon in the band. Ace! And thirdly (yes, I know I only promised you two reasons) they’re only the second band I know that herald from Iceland.

Second warm up act was Airship. They were good. I’ll be listening out for their debut single. They’re well worth checking out.

Of course these were mere appetisers for the main course, Frighened Rabbit, who I last saw in November. The main course didn’t disappoint.

Bolstered by their fifth member, Gordon, they played a set lasting about 70 minutes. There’s no denying my favourite moments came when they played songs from their second album, Midnight Organ Fight. Poke and Keep Yourself Warm were particular highlights.

What’s tragic is their new album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, only reached number 61 in the album charts. You deserve to hear this. Go on, give their sales figures a boost and pick yourself up a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Their latest album is a slightly more optimistic affair than previous efforts. Musically, it’s full of marvelous guitar lines and sensational drumming. Whatever your preference, there’s something in it for you.

Sadly I don’t have any more gigs lined up till Glastonbury. I’ll have to get that sorted out soon..