Frightened Rabbit

Frightened Rabbit formed in Selkirk in 2003, Scott Hutchison's raw, confessional songwriting giving the band a quality that was immediately distinctive. They signed to Fat Cat Records and released their debut 'Sing the Greys' (2006) — a rough, emotionally intense record that showed the potential without fully realising it.

'The Midnight Organ Fight' (2008) was the breakthrough — one of the finest Scottish albums of its era. Hutchison's lyrics dealt with heartbreak, depression, and the specific experience of being young and lost with a directness that felt genuinely brave. 'Modern Leper', 'Keep Yourself Warm', 'The Twist' — the songs were extraordinary. The album built a devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic.

'The Winter of Mixed Drinks' (2010) and 'Pedestrian Verse' (2013) maintained the quality. 'Painting of a Panic Attack' (2016) was their most polished record. Hutchison was open about his struggles with depression and mental health, and his music was a lifeline for many listeners who recognised themselves in his words. His death by suicide in May 2018 was a devastating loss. The remaining members have continued to perform occasionally in his memory.