Late March, Death March EP

Following on from their fourth studio album; the critically acclaimed Pedestrian Verse, the Scottish band’s latest release is the five-track EP, Late March, Death March.

As well as the eponymous opening track and lead single, the EP also features two live tracks recorded at Glasgow’s Barrowlands (December’s Traditions, Oil Slick), and the EP’s standout track, Architect.

Recorded with the Manchester Orchestra for this year’s Record Store Day, Architect is an emotionally charged offering with just the right amount of subtle, soft and sweet. Lead singer Scott Hutchinson’s delicately Scottish drawl is beautifully emphasised by Andy Hull’s understated harmonies over folky, acoustic guitar, modest strings and extracts of mellow backing vocals. It stays a simple composition throughout, allowing the lyrics and storyline to take centre stage. The chorus’ pivotal moment is the sweeping loneliness of the line, “You told all of your friends, you told all of your friends, and no one came…no one came”.

Also included on the record is an alternative version of lead single (mixed by Bryan Wilson); a stripped down track, in comparison, with an underlying electronic beat and more restrained instrumental parts. Minus the whistling, the powerful piano chords and upbeat tempo, this is a refreshing twist on Late March, Death March. A more ethereal feel, sustained synths and heavy reverb on the vocals create a relaxed feel without losing the hooks and structure.

If you’re thinking of heading to see Frightened Rabbit live, take a listen to the two tracks from Barrowlands for a taste of their power and authority as a live band. Frightened Rabbits are set to play at Brixton’s 02 Academy this November.

The track Late March, Death March, was mixed by Craig Silvey at Miloco studios.

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