Aug 26 2009 12:13 pm, PICS: Sandra Bonilla
Frightened Rabbit
Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh
18/08/2009
It’s clear from the moment The Fly arrive that tonight is going to be one of The Edge Festival’s must-see gems. Queues stretch as far as you can see on both sides of Queen's Hall and by the time The Fly gets inside we’ve missed most of first support, The Moth & The Mirror, but what we do hear/see is superb, perfectly setting the tone with some dark yet lush musical sounds.
Next up are Edinburgh’s Meursault, and they’re incredible: demonstrating why they’re at the forefront of a thriving folktronica movement with their mix of laptop beats and a whole array of unusual instruments. Tonight, the band showcase a less electronic, acoustic set, which within the church-like setting of the Queens Hall, compliments the surroundings and atmosphere perfectly. Meursault’s performance is beautiful, emotive and heartfelt, with front man Neil Pennycook boasting the most affecting, flawless vocal range, and the songs are spellbinding, melodic and infectious. Definitely ones to watch.
Headliners Frightened Rabbit arrive onstage to a deafening reception from the capacity audience and it’s clear we’re in for a very special show indeed. From opener ‘The Modern Leper’ to the very last note of ‘Keep Yourself Warm’, every single person in the venue is enthusiastically punching the air and religiously reciting each lyric of each song right back at Scott Hutchison and band, who are visibly thrilled at the response. The band’s performance is life-affirming, the crowd’s reaction almost, err, frightening. We’re even treated to a few excellent new tracks, but it’s favourites from ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ like ‘Old Old Fashioned’, ‘Twist’ and ‘Heads Roll Off’ that make for tonight’s biggest highlights. We’re watching a truly rare event; seldom do bands inspire such a fanatical and justified response to their music. Unquestionably, Frightened Rabbit tonight is the best show of The Edge Festival so far.
Derick Mackinnon
