Frightened Rabbit

For nearly a decade now Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit have been quietly simmering, gathering a small cult following and producing three ambitious studio albums. Pedestrian Verse is likely to launch the band to the success it deserves.

“Acts Of Man” sets the pace for the deeply personal album. Lead singer Scott Hutchison, who came up with the name Frightened Rabbit in 2003 as a moniker for his solo shows, bares all with lyrics like, “One man tears into another, hides a coward’s heart in a lion’s chest.”

“Backyard Skulls” pushes the tempo and puts on display the band’s ability to produce a subtle anthem. Along with the next track, “Holy,” the record carries a brief and powerful driving rhythm. The next song, and first single from Pedestrian Verse, “The Woodpile,” burns with Hutchison’s rolling Scottish accent and a delightful array of tones and heavy toms only to break into a fierce chorus. Unlike some of the previous tracks, “The Woodpile” has pounding highs and smoldering lows, standing out as one of the most dynamic songs on Pedestrian Verse.

Only with “Dead Now” does the album break from its thematic sound. However, after seven driving songs, the danceable rhythm feels welcome. And, like always, Hutchison and company offer up some incredibly personal lyrics that make the song stand out as a highlight: “We’ll scream hell toward heaven’s door, and I’ll piss on your front porch.”

These 12 songs exhibit a near perfect evolution for the band. Frightened Rabbit have taken what has worked best for them in the past, distilled it, and delivered Pedestrian Verse.