Connect 2008 Episode IX: Frightened Rabbit

The Skinny's seen worse than the mud here today, but it's still difficult to keep spirits high when you're soaking wet with no central heating in sight. Those still holding out without wellies are struggling to walk anywhere without falling on their bahookies: just like the scene here last year, when I fell on my arse three times while ruining my trainers. Just as well we've had some great music then, eh? The pear cider helps too.

The press section here at Hydro Connect is a curtained-off corner of The Speakeasy Cafe, a small marquee selling biscuits and cofee, with sofas and a tiny wee stage too. Usually it's unsigned and unknown singers and songwriters performing here, but I've just witnessed Frightened Rabbit, Fat Cat residents with two albums to their name, play to a packed and very enthusiastic crowd here. Scott Hutchison had to contend with a broken string after only a few bars, so he borrowed somebody else's (Slash's, he said) to continue, and he was in his element throughout, backed by brother Grant on a two-piece drumkit.  They started with a stomping Old Old Fashioned, and then, just like at T, all the girls roared along to "I'll get my hole!" on Keep Yourself Warm. Fast Blood was the highlight for your humble reporter, the way Scott sang the chorus - which happens to be the title of most recent album Midnight Organ Fight - gave everyone chills. And not just because we're cold and wet. I'd say they should've been on the main stage, but the intimacy of this tent made it a really special gig.

The Scots are coming out top this weekend; Broken Records, Glasvegas, and Frightened Rabbit have all been brilliant. And with Camera Obscura and Franz Ferdinand still to go, the weekend's bound to finish on a high.