Frightened Rabbit + Oxford Collapse - T.T. the Bears Place (Cambridge, MA; July 1, 2008)

Sometimes crowds at Boston shows are awesome. Like when they pack in a small venue like T.T. the Bear’s despite the muggy, Tuesday night. And when they graciously cheer on the painfully boring local opening act. And when they eagerly thrash around to the second act’s rockin’ yet indecipherably muddled sound. And when they respectfully encourage the timid headliner with cheers and dancing.

Well done, Boston. You made TT the Bear’s Frightened Rabbit and Oxford Collapse concert great. Of course, I’m not talking to you, underage drunk girl who pulled the mic away from Billy Kennedy and got kicked out after grabbing random beers from the bar. But I am talking to you, couple in your 40s, whom I also stood next to at the Cut Copy / Black Kids show a few weeks ago. You are the super cool rock star aunt and uncle I wish I had.

Opener Oxford Collapse ripped thought a short, frenetic, bone rattling set, made shorter by the fact that they played the songs twice as fast as they’re recorded. The eager pace, compounded by poor sound mixing, made every song sound something like this: “WE’REINABAND! WE’REINANEFFINROCK’NROLLBAND! HEAROURDRUMS! OURGUITARS! WAILLLLLL!!! THISEFFINROCKS!!!” It was disappointing, as they write some really catchy tunes like “Lady Lawyers” and “Please Visit Your National Parks,” which were unrecognizable live. Meh. Who cares? The crowd didn’t. Oxford Collapse really does rock.

Bassist Adam Rizer stole the concert, carefully fingering the bass while madly devouring the stage, sometimes leaping from one side to the other, sometimes sliding on his knees, and other times writhing on his back with legs punching the air. Fourth wall be damned, Rizer hovered over the audience, forcing his fret board within inches of unsuspecting faces, while intently staring at those that didn’t fear his fury.

While Oxford Collapse reveled in acting like the rock stars they are, Frightened Rabbit timidly took the stage like the apropos moniker they chose. Singer and songwriter Scott Hutchinson hunched over the mic, never opening his eyes while performing. He smiled and attempted banter between songs, but at one point declared, “We’re good at the songs, not the talking” (though I was personally impressed he managed to use the word “pedantic” in response to a question shouted out by someone in the crowd).

But the concert crowd relished Frightened Rabbit’s heartfelt and earnest rock songs, enthusiastically dancing and cheering throughout the set. Hutchinson seemed to increasingly relax, and by the time they performed their popular single “Heads Roll Off,” Hutchinson’s confidence shined through.

Frightened Rabbit’s recent release The Midnight Organ Fight is available from FatCat Records. It was produced by Peter Katis of the National, and like (sort of) fellow Scottish band Snow Patrol’s Eyes Open, focuses on themes of failed relationships and break ups.

Oxford Collapse just released EP The Hann-Byrd and will be releasing LP BITS in August (Sub Pop). “The Birthday Wars” from the upcoming album can be heard on their Myspace page. They return to Boston on July 30th, playing the Middle East. We’ll be there for the concert review and photos.

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