Scottish three-piece Frightened Rabbit is making its first-ever trek to our shores this New Years period. FasterLouder speaks to the band about its much-praised 2008 album The Midnight Organ Flight and the raw rush of playing live.

The Midnight Organ Fight has clearly been a runaway success for yourself and the band. How do you compute the praise that does come from critics, fans and your musical compatriots alike?
I feel rather overwhelmed at times. Upon reading that Craig Finn from the Hold Steady was a fan of our record, I think I almost cried. It makes me happy when people tell me how much they have come to love the album, as it means so much to me too. This answer sounds a bit gushing, but there’s no other way to say it. I feel very lucky.

The Scottish music scene has blossomed over the past few years, most notably with Belle and Sebastian and Franz Ferdinand. What do you think has brought on this resurgence?
I think the Glasgow scene has been bubbling away nicely for years now. Sometimes a band boils over the top, but there’s always been good stuff there. The city has such a healthy and active arts community, that it will always produce the goods. Bands like Belle and Sebastian and Franz are just the tip of the iceberg really.

There is a clear connection in Midnight Organ Fight between the physical deterioration of the body and the emotional rollercoaster of life. How did this theme come about?
I think heartache and emotional turmoil can feel like a physical ailment, and is something that may even feel terminal at the worst of times. It hurts and debilitates you, just like any other disease. I suppose in the most extreme cases, its even life threatening (I guess Floating in the Forth covers that). But like most aches and pains, the feeling goes away. The parallels seemed obvious to me, and the imagery of organs, blood, brains and limbs seemed suitably graphic.

What other themes do you believe are explored through your music, or that you want people to explore?
I guess death is in there. I think about that a fair bit, and it’s an important thing to consider when you are trying to live a life. I really believe that hope is a very important thing. It can scrape you through a lot of shit. I think that, although the record is quite dark at times, there is always a chink of light in there. All is not lost!

From your debut to Midnight Organ, you’ve since added a new member to the band. How has this changed the way you work as a band, in particular your live show?
There is a great deal more detail in the live show now. Andy is a technical wizard, and he’s good with all things midi-related. Sound wise, we now have the layers that we always knew we would need when we finished of the record. On another level, it’s good to have another person on tour, as the three-piece can get a bit claustrophobic.

You’ll be coming to Sydney for a special New years Eve festival. How does it feel when you share, or sometimes cause, memorable moments between yourself and the fans?
It’s at those times you realise why you started doing this in the first place. One of the best things about touring is meeting people, going out after the show and just shooting the shit. I think that sometimes, due to the personal nature of the album, people feel more open when they meet us, as if they already know us. It means you can do away with the small talk and formalities, which is great.

How did it feel working with, arguably, of the best producers in the industry with Peter Katis? Can you see yourself working with any of the – œbig’ producers around, like say Mark Ronson or Rick Rubin?
It was a great learning experience to work with Peter. He shared our hard work ethic, and it worked out pretty nicely. That’s never a guarantee though, and we’d like to be careful who we work with. I always feel like those big producers get drafted in by labels when a band has stopped writing decent tunes, so if and when that idea is put forth, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

The past few years you’ve had the privilege to play at some great festivals worldwide as well as some stellar support slots. Who do you feel most privileged to have played alongside and who would you like to play alongside in the future?
We played an all-day event with Mogwai in Glasgow, which was a really big thing for me. They’ve been one of my favourite Glasgow bands for years. My dream support slot would be with The Hold Steady. Best band in the world right now, no question.

How do you feel your music – œtranslates’ live?
It’s a little rawer, and we thrive on the energy and emotion, rather than precision or staying rigidly true to the original recordings. Sounding just like the record doesn’t interest me at all. We do try to change things up a bit, and I think we’re a little more exciting and shambolic than the album might suggest.

You’re coming to Australia for a selection of festivals. What are you most looking forward to during your trip?
New Years Eve! None of us have ever been to Australia, so the whole trip is going to be incredible, but to spend NYE in Sydney is going to be splendid. I’m packing my shorts!

Frightened Rabbit’s The Midnight Organ Fight is out now on Pod through Inertia. The band will do its thing down under this summer.

28 Dec – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford
30 Dec – Peats Ridge Festival, Glenworth Valley
31 Dec – Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island
31 Dec – Purple Sneakers NYE House Party, The Manning Bar

Article photo by David Gourley