REVIEW: Backyard Skulls EP - Frightened Rabbit

2013 may finally be The Year of the Rabbit. Following on from their career-high top ten (#9) fourth album, the FRabbits released the 'Backyard Skulls EP' earlier this week. 

The EP is made of up of 'Backyard Skulls', the second single from the acclaimed 'Pedestrian Verse', as well as alternate versions of previous single 'The Woodpile' and 'Holy', a live recording of 'Acts of Man' from the Barrowlands sellout gig in February and the pre-order exclusive and forthcoming Record Store Day release 'Norland Wind', which sees them team up with Lau.

The alternate versions of the album tracks give them a whole new breath of life and it could be argued that the alternate 'Holy' is better than the album version itself. The song is pulled right back to its bare bones and thusly has an even more powerful effect than its original incarnation. 

The live recording of 'Acts of Man' is a perfect teaser for any forthcoming performances and showcases the blistering live show they have perfected throughout years on the road. It's also a brilliant keepsake for anyone who was lucky enough to attend the Barrowlands show and witness this band at the top of their game.

The true gem of the EP is Norland Wind. A collaboration with friends Lau, this track has all the layers and majesty of a true Scottish anthem. It's unlikely you've heard anything like it this year and you probably won't for the rest of the year. It might just be one of the best songs Frightened Rabbit have produced in their nearly 10 years of existence, toweringly beautiful.

The 'Backyard Skulls EP' is a digital-only UK release and is available via iTunes for only £1.99. 'Norland Wind' will be released on Record Store Day, April 20th, on one-sided etched 7" and is limited to only 500 copies. Go support your local record store and Frightened Rabbit by picking one up.

Round-Up: My picks of what's going on

So I've been running a blog for nearly a week now. Figure it's time I try rounding up some things worth checking out from that first week, whilst I try to come up with some other things you might like on here.

You might find the following worthwhile:

King Tut's New Years Revolution will round up this week with performances from bands such as Black International, Haight Ashbury and Fatherson (not all in the same gig, there's plenty more too).

Kid Canaveral announced details of their forthcoming second LP, Now That You're a Dancer, due March 4th on Fence Records. Their Glasgow album launch at The Glad Café on Friday 1st March has sold out but they've added a second date, the following night, so get tickets to that!

Chvrches are doing their first UK tour, including a March 2nd stop at The Arches, and tickets went on sale today. You can get them via Ticketmaster.

If you have access to any of Frightened Rabbit's previous albums then you can access shiny bonus content from Pedestrian Verse here, including the chance to hear The Oil Slick and watch a making of the album video. Pedestrian Verse is released February 4th.

Randolph's Leap appeared on Marc Riley's BBC6 Music show and it's now available on iPlayer to listen again. They will also be performing instore at Avalanche Records on January 20th.

Bear Arms are headlining Nice'N'Sleazy's on February 9th. Support from The King Hats and True Acardian. Tickets only £5 here.

Avalanche Records are preparing a few special instores for the coming year, and to keep abreast of their announcements you should follow their Twitter.

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There's lots happening in Scottish music and that's just what caught my attention. I'm sure there's much more to come and I'll do my best to keep up with it. 2013 is off to a solid start and here's to it continuing strongly!

5 Visual Feasts from 2012

As an aspiring filmmaker myself, and someone who was always been interested in the visual medium and the stories you can tell, I have a special affinity for music videos. It's a unique format and there's always the chance to make a real impression with the right video.

The five videos I am going to mention here are the ones that connected with me the most last year and have stuck with me. This could be because of their emotional impact or because of a particularly memorable character or just pure visual pleasure.

In chronological release order, here's the videos:

Admiral Fallow - The Paper Trench



It's hard to forget The Tree Man and his journey around Glasgow, he certainly made his impression. Of the three videos Fallow released last year this definitely is my favourite because of the beauty of the journey of The Tree Man. 

Frightened Rabbit - State Hospital



I don't want to make this blog about these guys but State Hospital's music video had a very strong emotional impact on me. I have cried watching this video and I'm not afraid to admit it. Hand Held Cine Club have told such a strong story here and there's an immediate connection with the main character, you want her to fight, and to fight for her. 

Meursault - Dull Spark



Sometimes the strongest feature can be minimalism. This video is proof you don't need much to make something beautiful with an impact. Less is definitely more.

Second Shelter - Chasing Cars 



This one is definitely the most filmic of the lot, seems to have a lot of influence from Drive and a Gosling-esque lead. It's another less is more effort too, purely set around night driving scenes. 

So Many Animal Calls - She Was Speaking From The Bottom Of The Sea



Proof that not only do SMAC rock, but they can tell a story too. Good old Scottish bleakness coupled with a big track here. 

I'm ready for my eyes to be as pleased as my ears this year.