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Scott Hutchison death: The late Frightened Rabbit frontman's 10 best songs

"Holy" and "The Wrestle" are a part of the prolific frontman's most memorable tracks

Ilana Kaplan
Friday 11 May 2018 12:47 EDT
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Footage of band Frightened Rabbit performing in 2013

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To many fans in the indie-rock community, Frightened Rabbit's Scott Hutchison was more than just a frontman of their favourite band: he was them. Throughout his 36 years on earth, Hutchison sang about his struggles with mental health, personal pain and loss in a way that resonated with people across the world. He garnered a dedicated fan base, and even took the time to connect with fans who used his music as a coping mechanism. Hutchison once even took it upon himself to write a fan a personal note telling them to be strong after their parents reached out to the singer.

Following a three-day search, Hutchison's body was found early on Friday morning. He was last spotted leaving the Dakota Hotel in South Queensferry, Scotland. His bandmates had continued posting on the band's social media account searching for Hutchison who had left his phone behind and had posted an ominous note on Twitter saying, "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it's not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones." He then added: "I'm away now. Thanks."

The band posted a statement in response to his death saying, "There are no words to describe the overwhelming sadness and pain that comes with the death of our beloved Scott but to know he is no longer suffering brings us some comfort."

If you haven't heard Frightened Rabbit's music this is what you should listen to and why.

"Swim Until You Can't See Land"

"Swim Until You Can't See Land" encompasses Hutchison's ethos of fusing religion and escapism. The track serves as a baptism for the protagonist who is trying to start fresh and get away from the "boredom" of where he lives. A jangly, melodic track, "Swim Until You Can't See Land" is one of Frightened Rabbit's most famous tracks.

"Good Arms vs Bad Arms"

The way Hutchison would sing about love and heartbreak was devastatingly beautiful. On "Good Arms vs Bad Arms - a popular track from the band's breakout album The Midnight Organ Fight - he wrestles with the decision of keeping an ex-lover at arm's length and going back to her. "I'm still in love with you, can't admit it yet," he concludes on the track.

"The Woodpile"

Much of Frightened Rabbit's music is about helplessness and the way it's handled. "The Woodpile" hones in on this feeling, but with the dichotomy of a "conventional rock song." While its sparseness reflects the lyrics, the juxtaposition of the raucous chorus sets a different tone for the song all-together.

"State Hospital"

On "State Hospital", Hutchison tells the story of a girl who was born into an abusive home, but didn't stand a chance. "She was born into a grave," he sings, raspily. Of his many songs, this one is a profound, yet dark look at his storytelling.

"The Wrestle"

As one of Hutchison's more anthemic songs, "The Wrestle" is an intense series of metaphors for a sexual encounter. Like much of Hutchison's music, it's as self-reflective as it is a story he's telling.

"The Modern Leper"

"The Modern Leper" represents the numbness to feelings and emotions - a metaphor for depression. While its verses are cheeky, there's a sadness that looms beneath its catchy chorus.

"Nitrous Gas"

A gospel-influenced ballad, "Nitrous Gas" seems to mock at his penchant for making sad songs. However Hutchison's complex lyrics are perhaps supposed to leave things up to listeners.

"Holy"

"Will you save me the fake benevolence?" Hutchison asks on "Holy", clinging to the band's theme of criticising religion. Surging percussion fuels this New Order-influenced track that served as an energetic single from Frightened Rabbit's 2013 album Pedestrian Verse.

"Poke"

"Poke" is an anomaly to a lot of the rock-filled tracks of Frightened Rabbit. Instead, it's a delicate, finger-plucked ballad about a relationship that has run its course, but won't be forgotten. "But there's one thing we've got going/ And it's the only thing worth knowing /It's got lots to do with magnets and the pull of the moon," Hutchison sings of their unbreakable connection regardless of what happens next.

"Keep Yourself Warm"

“It takes more than f****** someone to keep yourself warm," Hutchison spews on "Keep Yourself Warm" - a lyric that is so simplistic, yet so complex it sticks with you. Hutchison sings about the loneliness of casual sex profoundly on one of his most well-known earworms.

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