Death Cab For Cutie @ Corn Exchange, 14 Nov

It seems it's been a long yet rewarding year for Frightened Rabbit (**), touring the globe, letting folks know what a long yet unrewarding life they've had. Basically, singer Scott Hutchison's voice sounds like it's had it, as ready to disintegrate as the Modern Leper he sings about tonight. The 'Rabbit's leg-up supporting Death Cab is entirely apt and warranted, but the Corn Exchange does them no favours, mashing and flattening their robust sound in front of, judging by the lack of usual participation to set-closer Keep Yourself Warm, an unfamiliar crowd. With one of the albums of the year under their belts and a slew of powerful performances behind them, it's heartbreaking to watch.

Death Cab For Cutie (***) however, suffer from no such unfamiliarity or sound issues. In fact, singer Ben Gibbard's mid-set, solo staple, I Will Follow You into the Dark, is almost plagued by over-eager fan accompaniment, though admirably he never relinquishes control to the audience, singing every note with all the pathos it was undoubtedly forged from. The band return, seemingly reinvigorated, for the comparatively epic I Will Possess Your Heart, highlighting that the 'Cab tonight are at their best at either end of their admittedly limited spectrum. With an almost cynical expectancy, breakthrough album Plans is lightly touched on, though the brilliant Marching Bands of Manhattan is given the grandeur it deserves as the ostensible finale. The four song encore is almost entirely taken from their final independent album, the O.C.-friendly Transatlanticism, giving an indication of where the band's heart may really lie. However, the delicate-bruiser of its title track restores their edge, such as it is, and ignites the rest of the band into spasmodic fits and maniacal drumming, accompanying Gibbard's endearing perpetual swing-shuffle for a final send-off. [Darren Carle]