Stereo Brain // Album Of The Year Longlist

Andy Hull & Robert McDowell // Swiss Army Man Soundtrack
Genre: Soundtrack
Label: Lakeshore Records
Released: 24th June
Verdict: Something that's just a bit different - interesting and inventive musically while still capturing the essence of a movie of the same irk.

Architects // All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us

Genre: Metalcore

Label: Epitaph Records

Released: 27th May

Verdict: Loud, in your face and yet incredibly intricate. Certainly Architects best work to date.

Black Foxxes // I'm Not Well
Genre: Alternative
Label: Spinefarm Records
Released: 19th August
Verdict: An album that demonstrates the potential that Black Foxxes showed from early on. Emotional, guitar driven and a must for any list.

Black Peaks // Statues

Genre: Rock

Label: Sony

Released: 8th April

Verdict: Seen by most as the most exciting rock album for years and I couldn't agree more. Anthemic and interesting - it was once described to me as "the math rock early Foals meets the heaviness of Deftones". Incidentally this album is the reason Deftones' record didn't make it on the list

Blossoms // Blossoms
Genre: Indie-Pop
Label: Virgin EMI
Released: 5th August
Verdict: Modern day indie-pop meets 80's in Blossoms' debut album. This album was a hit and made it to UK number 1 for two weeks.

Biffy Clyro // Ellipsis

Genre: Rock

Label: 14th Floor Records

Released: 8th July

Verdict: It's been a big year for Biffy and this album showed what they're still capable of. 'Wolves of Winter'' was one of the songs of the year and it's backed up by a brilliant album.

Daughter // Not To Dissapear
Genre: Indie
Label: Glassnote Records
Released: 15th January
Verdict: Delicate, quiet and thoughtful are words that spring to mind when you listen to Daughter's latest outing. It's pleasant and comfortable listening all the way.

Frightened Rabbit // Painting Of A Panic Attack

Genre: Indie

Label: Atlantic Records

Released: 8th April

Verdict: After making fans wait over 3 years for album number five, scottish indie rock powerhouses Frightened Rabbit did not disappoint. Their latest album shows a new side to the band while maintaining their distinctive style.

FULL REVIEW

The Hunna // 100
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: High Time Records
Released: 26th August
Verdict: A band that only began in October 2015, they've taken social media by storm and created a large fan base of young music fans. The release of their debut album demonstrates how they've managed it - catchy songs, meaningful lyrics and dancy riffs all carried a long with persona of rock stars.

Joyce Manor // Cody

Genre: Emo-Grunge

Label: Epitaph Records

Released: 7th October

Verdict: Joyce Manor's latest outing is that little bit less grunge and a bit more emo than their previous records. This is nothing but a good thing however - it's an album that feels much more open and inviting while maintaining the bands recognisable sound.

FULL REVIEW

The Lion & The Wolf // The Cardiac Hotel
Genre: Indie

Label: Xtra Mile

Released: 7th October

Verdict: After his beautiful debut, The Lion & The Wolf develops his sound on this new record. With more depth and more emotion this one hits right in the feelings.

Modern Baseball // Holy Ghost

Genre: Emo

Label: Run For Cover/Big Scary Monsters

Released: 13th May

Verdict: Their best record to date, on 'Holy Ghost' Mobo look at so much more than bad luck with girls and go much deeper into their own lives in a truly personal album.

FULL REVIEW

PUP // The Dream Is Over

Genre: Punk Rock

Label: Royal Mountain Records

Released: 27th May

Verdict: Listening to this album is like an angry jolt back to reality.

Panic! At The Disco // Death Of A Bachelor

Genre: Alternative

Label: Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Released: 15th January

Verdict: I initially described this album as 'pop punk meets Michael Buble' - this was meant as a bad thing but overtime this record has really grown on me and shown what it's really about to become one of my favourites from this year.

Radiohead // A Moon Shaped Pool

Genre: Indie

Label: XL Recordings

Released: 8th May

Verdict: Delicate and experimental. This was Radiohead at their finest. AN utterly beautiful album

Rusty Shackle // Dusk

Genre: Alt Folk

Label: Get Folked Records

Released: 25th March

Verdict: A mix of bouncy fun folk and serious musical talent comes together on the welsh bands finest record to date.

FULL REVIEW

Slaves // Take Control
Genre: Punk
Label: Virgin EMI
Released: Slaves
Verdict: Last years winners come back with a punk-ier and less apologetic follow up to Are You Satisfied?. The record screams potential and the future if Slaves' sound.
FULL REVIEW

Spring King // Tell Me If You Like To

Genre: Indie Rock

Label: Island Records

Released: 10th June

Verdict: One of the best debut records of the year and also features one of the catchiest alternative tunes of they year - 'Demons'

Tigercub // Abstract Figures In The Dark
Genre: Rock
Label: Alcopop!
Released: 11th November
Verdict: Imagine a darker and grungier Queens Of The Stoneage and you have this record. It's musically brilliant and a really great listen.

Viola Beach // Viola Beach

Genre: Indie Rock

Label: Fuller Beans Records

Released: 29th July

Verdict: A posthumous inclusion for one of the UK's most promising bands. Released shortly after their and their managers deaths to commemorate them. Coldplay even covered their song as they headlined Glastonbury.

YAK // Alas Salvation
Genre: Rock
Label: Octopus Electrical
Released: 13th May
Verdict: Loud, unapologetic and grungy. Yak burst onto the scene this year with 2 tours plus a stint supporting The Last Shadow Puppets - all in all it's been a great year for them.

Stereo Brain // 2016 Awards Lists Part 1

Album Of The Year
Andy Hull & Robert McDowell - Swiss Army Man Soundtrack
Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us
Black Foxxes - I'm Not Well
Black Peaks - Statues
Blossoms - Blossoms
Biffy Clyro - Elipsis
Daughter - Not To Dissapear
Frightened Rabbit - Painting Of A Panic Attack
The Hunna - 100
Joyce Manor - Cody
The Lion & The Wolf - The Cardiac Hotel
Modern Baseball - Holy Ghost
PUP - The Dream Is Over
Panic! At The Disco - Death Of A Bachelor
Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
Rusty Shackle - Dusk
Slaves - Take Control
Spring King - Tell Me If You Like To
Tigercub - Abstract Figures In The Dark
Viola Beach - Viola Beach
Yak - Alas Salvation

Debut Album Of The Year
Black Peaks - Statues
Blossoms - Blossoms
Hacktivist - Outside The Box
The Hunna - 100
Jack Garratt - Phase
Milk Teeth - Vile Child
Spring King - Tell Me If You Like To
Tigercub - Abstract Figures In The Dark
Viola Beach - Viola Beach
Yak - Alas Salvation

EP Of The Year
Cassels - You, Us And They EP
Chroma - Chroma EP
Creeper - The Stranger
Estrons - She's Here Now EP
Heart Of Oak - E.P. | One
The King Blues - Off With Their Heads
Montreux Fires - Trying For The Sake Of Trying
October Drift - This Is Nowhere EP
Parcs - Traces
VANT - Karma Seeker EP

Stereo Brain: Top 10 Albums of 2016 So Far

10. Rusty Shackle // Dusk

Brilliant alternative folk. FULL REVIEW

9. Andy Hull & Rober McDowell // Swiss Army Man (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

An unusual inclusion however this a beautiful and musically brilliant original soundtrack the kind of which has been missing from modern film.

8. Black Peaks // Statues

The kick in the teeth the british rock scene needed. What an album, what a band!

7. Catfish & The Bottlemen // The Ride

Second albums are difficult, Catfish & The Bottlemen have found that out the hard way and despite it being a great album, they still havent got that 'Wonderwall'

6. Lonely The Brave // Things Will Matter

An example of a brilliant second album; dark, mysterious and everything you could have wanted from this band on the rise. FULL REVIEW

5. Heart Of Oak // EP | One

Delicate, thoughtful and brilliant, this unknown Southampton artist has unwittingly produced one of our favourite albums of the year so far. FULL REVIEW

4. Radiohead // A Moon Shaped Pool

Pure genius, a polished yet experimental Radiohead came out to play and they produced one of the albums of the year.

3. Spring King // Tell Me If You Like To

A debut to remember for this indie-punk band. With tunes like 'Rectifier' and 'Demons' as well as an allround brilliant album, this could propel them up the musical ladder at an alarming rate.

2. Modern Baseball // Holy Ghost

The Philadelphia band return for a 3rd time with an honest and open album. Personal and musically brilliant - a lethal combination for any band. FULL REVIEW

1. Frightened Rabbit // Paintng Of A Panic Attack

The Scottish bands 5th LP takes them to new heights. A reinvigorated and slightly different band comes out in this LP and yet the brings the greatest hits of previous albums. FULL REVIEW

Review: Frightened Rabbit // Painting Of A Panic Attack

Not all music has to be loud, political and rebellious. Likewise not all music has to be brainless, thoughtless pop manufactured for the masses. Sometimes music can be delicate, thoughtful and personal and this is the kind of music Frightened Rabbit have been dealing in since their creation. From humble beginnings as two brothers playing in a band together, Frightened Rabbit has gained a few members, gotten a little older and have now released their 5th studio album - 'Painting Of A Panic Attack'.


Since their last album, released over 3 years a go, a lot has changed; lead singer Scott Hutchison has moved to LA leaving the band separated by the Atlantic ocean, the band has lost a member and the whole of Frightened Rabbit has been given a rethink. After the success of album number 4 - 'Pedestrian Verse' - to Scott, atleast, Frightened Rabbit had reached a triumphant finale, becoming the band he envisioned from a start. However he decided it was the end of a chapter not a story and the next chapter, 'Painting Of A Panic Attack', began to form.

The album opens with 'Death Dream', the first song released for the album, which very much sets the tone. Organ driven and ghostly the song paints a sombre and painful picture, one that appears even more personal than that of previous albums, before dropping into 'Get Out'. The two songs together really show what the album is about - love, loss but also hope. More than anything these songs lay out a new Frightened Rabbit with a slightly different sound but who's core element - the lyrical content - remains familiar and if anything more focussed.

'I Wish I Was Sober' and 'Woke Up Hurting' along with 'Get Out' compound the slightly rethought style of the band, introducing a greater element of electronic and a lesser use of the acoustic guitar - only really appearing on the closing number.

Despite the number of sombre songs on the album, there is the occasional moment where the guitar driven Frightened Rabbit from 'Pedestrian Verse' punches through. Particularly in 'Break' the guitar driven chorus is infectious and is certainly the most upbeat and positive sounding track on the album.

Catch Frightened Rabbit on tour this autumn

'Painting Of A Panic Attack' draws to a close with three very different songs. The piano driven '400 Bones' is the closest to a love song that Frightened Rabbit have ever reached, reflecting on the small intimate moments between two people. The song builds and builds to dramatic effect before dropping back to a singular piano in an almost eerie stillness. 'Lump Street' however delivers a dark, thumping and harsh reality to the listener before the album draws to a delicate conclusion with 'Die Like A Rich Boy'. The song completes the album combining elements of the Frightened Rabbit of old with the new style while providing a ghostly and refreshing view of life.

'Painting Of A Panic Attack' is the bands most complete work to date; reinventing and reworking themselves while maintaining the soul and quality of the band - a feat rarely pulled off by any artist. Frightened Rabbit have gone from strength to strength over the last decade, expect them to keep growing for another 10 years to come.
(9.5/10)

-Luke

Artist Spotlight // Frightened Rabbit

Members:
Scott Hitchison, Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan, Simon Liddel, Gordon Skene (Past Member)

Location:
Selkirk, Scotland

Description:
Depressing Scottish indie rock.

Songs To Get You Started:
Poke (2008), Woke Up Hurting (2016), The Greys (2006), Nitrous Gas (2013), The Woodpile (2013), Modern Leper (2008)

Discography:
Studio Albums:

1. Sings The Greys (2006)
2. The Midnight Organ Fight (2008) - Stereo Brain Rating: 10/10
3. The Winter Of Mixed Drinks (2010)
4. Pedestrian Verse (2013) - Stereo Brain Rating: 9/10
5. Painting Of A Panic Attack (2016) - Stereo Brain Rating: 9.5/10

EP's & Singles:

1. Be Less Rude (2007)
2. The Greys (2007)
3. It's Christmas So We'll Stop (2007)
4. Heads Roll Off (2008)
5. Fast Blood (2008)
6. I Feel Better (2008)
7. Quietly Now! (Live Album) (2008)
8. Swim Until You Can't See Land (2009)
9. Nothing Like You (2010)
10. Living In Colour (2010)
11. The Loneliness And The Scream (2010)
12. A Frightened Rabbit EP (2011)
13. State Hospital EP (2012)
14. The Woodpile (2013)
15. Backyard Skulls (2013)
16. Late March, Death March (2013)
17. Live From Criminal Records (2014)
18. Get Out (2016)

Interesting Facts:

• Lead Singer Scott Hutchison has a solo project called 'Owl John' from which he released a self titled debut in 2014
• Scott has an art degree from Glasgow School of Art which was also the location of the bands first gig under the name Frightened Rabbit
• The name Frightened Rabbit comes from a pet tame Scott & Grant's mum had for Scott due to his extreme shyness when young
• The ban were once victims of a twitter troll but responded by printing the hurtful phrases on a shirt and selling it for charity. It read: "Furry brick built men. Ugly, hairy and built like cruise ships sinc 2006"

Social Media:
Frightened Rabbit Twitter
Frightened Rabbit Facebook

Find more articles on Frightened Rabbit HERE

Find more artist spotlights HERE

10 Years On: Frightened Rabbit // Sings the Greys

In 2004 two brothers started a band. Scott and Grant Hutchison had no idea at the time the success this band would achieve. The name of the band originated from a pet name given to Scott by his mother due to his shyness and they first performed under Frightened Rabbit for a show at Scott’s former art college. The band now have a large fan base and are going on to release their 5th LP ‘Painting of a Panic Attack’.

This journey had to start somewhere and that somewhere is 'Sings The Greys': first released on May 1st 2006 on independent label 'Hit The Fan Records' the LP was initially limited to 1000 copies. The album itself feels musically stripped down, raw and unpolished but with mature and thoughtful lyrics.

The first song on the LP 'The Greys', which was one of the singles, tackles depression and reflects on how it affects a person and is very much different from just feeling sad - "What's the blues when you've got the greys". You find throughout the LP Scott, who is the primary song writer of the band, covers a range of topics – most of which personal. ‘Snake’ talks about missing or longing for a partner, whereas ‘Yawns’ and ‘Square 9’ talk about the breakdown of a relationship. There are also some songs with wider views, for example ‘Music Now’ covers Scott’s opinion on popular music. The overall feeling you get from 'Sings the Greys' is a dark one; grumpy and miserable. The thudding drums and slowly building layered tracks are atmospheric and occasionally feel like a live recording which adds to raw sound of the LP.

However this is an album that has to be looked at as a whole rather than a sum of individual parts; with three little 1-minute instrumentals breaking up the album into four bite-size chunks; linking from one part to the next using similar melodies to those in the songs. These linking-style songs become a common place in the bands future albums and help build this feeling of the LP being a whole.

‘Sings the Greys’ is important in the back catalogue of the band as it is often seen as the foundations for their later work. In the following album ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ the band develop this stripped down sound by adding depth and a more polished feel. After this they began to develop a bigger sound in their subsequent 2 albums with the acoustic guitar becoming less prominent. Despite this evolution of musical style, the lyrical style and themes displayed in ‘Sings the Greys’ are carried through each album and can be seen as the escence of Frightened Rabbit.

Their 5th studio album 'Painting of a Panic Attack' is to be released on 8th April 2016 and was produced by The National's Aaron Dessner. The release will be followed by a short series of in-store and venue shows in the UK before and extensive tour of the US.

Frightened Rabbit Release New Song & Music Video

Having already teased the new album with the opening song 'Death Dreams', Scottish indie band Frightened Rabbit released the second song from the album 'Get Out' on the 2nd March.

The band called it their "first 'proper' single" from the album along with posting the lyrics on their twitter. The video was premièred on the NME website for UK fans before becoming available on YouTube.

The song is one which reflects on young love and loss, portrayed in the music video with a surreal dance between 2 young girls, telling a story similar to that reflected in the lyric of the song.. The tune itself sounds very different from the ghostly sombre mood of 'Death Dream'; strong lyrics, a thumping sound and a lot more like the singles off their 4th studio album 'Pedestrian Verse'.



Frightened Rabbit's 5th Studio Album 'Painting Of A Panic Attack' is out on the 8th April 2016 on Atlantic Records and was produced by Aaron Dessner of The National.

Frightened Rabbit Album Announcement - Painting Of A Panic Attack

It's been a long long wait for fans of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit. Their last album being released in February of 2013. 3 year wait only eased slightly by lead singer Scott Hutchison solo project Owl John in 2014. However this album promises to be a great addition to an already fantastic collection of music.

'Painting Of A Panic Attack' will be arriving on 8th April this year and it's about time. Produced by The National's Aaron Dessner the album was promised by the band to be "sparser" and "less guitar driven" and the new song does not disappoint. In addition to th interesting producer choice, with this being the first album since Scott moved to America, it will be interesting to see the lyrical development in his and Frightened Rabbit's story.

Traditionally a new album from the definitive melancholy Scottish indie band means a new window into the life of Scott. A big contributor to how the band amassed it's fan base is how the songs mean something, they're not mindless drivel. They are something to sit and mull late at night with the lights turned down, and the new song is no different. 

Painting Of A Panic Attack is due to be released on April 8th

Named 'Death Dream' the song is as sombre as the title, organ led and haunting, it sounds like a faint echo, a whisper on the wind. Even for those who favour classic Frightened Rabbit from their early albums will not be disappointed - retaining the sullen lyrics and melancholy vibes. From the first song, this album sounds like it would be a brilliant furthering to the Frightened Rabbit discography while developing their sound yet further.  If the rest of the album follows in this irk, many many fans will be happy.

Reading & Leeds 2016: Who We Hope To See

So today the next part of the Reading & Leeds line-up was announced with the likes of Foals, Disclosure, Nothing But Thieves and Two Door Cinema Club announced. But who else is going to be announced? We have no idea but here's who we want to be announced!

Frightened Rabbit
Okay this ones a bit on me. One of my favourite bands of all time, releasing their 5th album this year would them to be booked (hint hint festival organisers)

Frank Turner
If Frank showed up this year it would be his 10th year in a row and after headlining the Festival Republic stage last year we can only hope he goes further up the order again this year!

The Milk
Another one I'm being slightly optimistic for, but after their stunning album received huge critical acclaim last year making it as one of BBC 6 Musics albums of the year, who would blame the Festval organisers for booking them!

The Last Shadow Puppets
With a new album due in April and their new single 'Bad Habits' reviving memories of their epic 2007 debut hopefully Miles and Alex will make an appearance at this years festival.

Fat White Family
Another band with a new album due and going on tour in March could they be bringing their roudy set to R&L

Modern Baseball
After being announced last year but unable to play due to illness and with a new album on the horizon, they;ll hopefully be able to make it this year!

Wolf Alice
After storming 2015, it seems the next logical step is for Wolf Alice to be bumped up the order a bit at R&L. With huge UK, EU and US tours coming up we can only hope they end their summer ar Reading & Leeds.

Tame Impala
The huge success of the album Currents as propelled Tame Impala far up the musical pecking order and hopefully into the forefront of festival organisers minds.

Jack Garratt
After winning BBC's Sound Of 2016, it does look like 2016 could be Jack Garratt's year. I saw him perform at last years festival and he was stunning and with his album 'Phase' due in February, hopefully he'll make an appearance at R&L again this year.

Catfish & The Bottlemen
After a stunning, tent filling performance in 2015, Catfish look set for a bigger slot this year, especially with a new album rumoured to be on the horizon, we can't wait.

Bloc Party
Headlining the NME awards tour in 2016, Bloc Party look dead set to play the NME stage at R&L/