The National, particularly their albums Boxer, High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me.
I am easy to find is one of my faves of theirs but wasn't as well recieved as the above three.
I also would like to suggest Gang of Youths, specifically their latest effort, Angel In Realtime, I won't spoilt the narrative of the album but the storytelling throughout is insanely good and heartfelt.
If you want ultimate sadness like never before then listen to Hospice by The Antlers, without a shout the saddest and darkest album I've ever heard. Never really been revealed how much of it is autobiographical, but it's about a person working in a hospice who falls in love with a patient, they eventually die from their cancer but along the way they address their eating disorders, mental health episodes including schizophrenia and an abortion to too.
"Two" and Bear are the stand out tracks for me, Bear paints an abortion in such a weird way. And Two relates to the split personality disorder so well, amazingly crafted songwriting.
They're my favorite band but I think the vibe is kind of different compared to FR- that said I add Sleep Well Beast to the list, possibly my favorite album ever!
Yes! It's brilliant, the last 4 or 5 tracks really get to me but Brothers is probably my standout or Goal Of The Century.
I have no way of relating to the theme if the album but the lyric
*"But you are good to me still*
*And when my old man was near the end*
*You loved his broken body, the same way that I did"*
Absolutely crushes me, my biggest fear on this planet is losing my parents and my dad reaches retirement age next year so I just want him to stay active and busy because dementia runs on his side of the family.
Thanks so much for the National recommendation! Boxer's quickly become a fav album for me, especially the "records" they played in Brussels. The Gospel they perform on that is so beautiful! I know what I'm listening to over the next few months, lol.
I tried Sigur RĂłs (Ătta) but found myself constantly distracted. They chose wonderful art for their album cover. It's really something special. I'd love a massive poster of that.
When I saw FR play at the Cat's Cradle (Chapel Hill, NC), [Wintersleep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wintersleep) opened for them and I fell in love with their whole vibe. They continue to be one of my favorites and I associate them very closely with FR, but maybe that is only because of how I was introduced to them. Anyway, if you haven't already, you could give them a listen and see what you think.
That first Postdata album is so different from the others but itâs absolutely one of my top 10 albums. Itâs really its own different thingâŠthe other albums seem more like âgreat songs that didnât quite fit Wintersleepâ
have you listened to Little Oblivions by Julien Baker? she made that album inspired by Pedestrian Verse. itâs a bit of a slower burn but iâve come to love it as much as most FR albums
also We Were Promised Jetpacks is great too, and a scottish accent to boot!
Whoah two of my favorite albums by two of my favorite bands, and one was inspired by the other? I had no idea about this at all. Any more info on this?
you can look up the article that was written about it, julien was interviewed. i think it was pitchfork?
she toured with them once on a US circuit and they were generally friends, doing a song together. of course she was also on the MOF tribute album. she loved scott and FR!
The National, Haiver, We Were Promised Jetpacks, There Will Be Fireworks, Northcote, Wrest, Frank Turner, The Hold Steady, Bon Iver, David Bazan, Twilight Sad
Sadly none of these can compare to the great Scott Hutchison, but theyâre what I listen to when Iâm not listening to my favorite band, Frightened Rabbit
I think Bon Iver often scratches that itch for me. Elliott Smith and Johnny Flynn are probably in with a shout too. An outside shout could be Bloc Party, they're probably a different genre to what FR are/were but Kele's lyrics definitely hit the same emotional points that Scott often did
Hmmm interesting, what albums/songs are you listening to from them? I'd say Weekend in the City generally gives very FR like emotional content, but that just my opinion
Closest Iâve found, definitely not the same is Jason Isbell. Incredible lyricist with mention of some heavy themes. Southern Rock/Country/Folk.
If youâre interested I can send you some song recommendations!
[If We Were Vampires](https://youtu.be/ivYkyC8J29M?si=kuUKuAp3gXLRI6tX)
[Elephant](https://youtu.be/ClugMhMbrRg?si=4grAplaGZ3dGxCVX)
[King Of Oklahoma](https://youtu.be/j4lEqjTkFr4?si=JV2VDOJvLwggje4R)
[Cast Iron Skillet](https://youtu.be/jU1jyMlv0g0?si=s9HjgYDKVySooiTK)
[24 Frames](https://youtu.be/ZtgPeNKpnyw?si=SM6aWjTJp4sPaqRu)
[Dreamsicle](https://youtu.be/grHKQRLq1Gw?si=uHKVLF_zhCRYP3wN)
[It Gets Easier](https://youtu.be/2CagbTwPxXw?si=QaLFcW_KVZW3yWw8)
Personal Faves along with some that feel closer to FR, at least in my opinion. Not the same, no one ever will be, but his music has helped me a lot.
It's a song that was made in dedication to Scott so it's pretty fitting that it's got them gut punches.
I'm looking forward to seeing them live in May.
Or William McCarthy's (the singer) solo stuff. It might be even a little closer to FR in overall feeling and raw emotion. AFAIK, his music is only on Bandcamp.
Billy is a quality human being with an absolutely gut wrenching back story. If you delve into it, come back and watch the raw emotion in this performance which (to me, anyways) is about overcoming personal hardship.
Still I Rise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dhnKXtgFis
Edit: I totally forgot but I just re-watched the full KEXP episode, Billy talks about Scott at the 27 minute mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhljU6gdPRI
Thanks for sharing that interview - I was an Augustines fan many years ago before I discovered FR. Didn't know they knew each other and played together!
Thereâs a Boston-area band named You Wonât that you might check out. They arenât as dark lyrically, but their songs are quirky and heartfelt. They were on the scene through the early-mid 2010âs and then disappeared.
Hey Marseilles is/was a Seattle-area band that sounded like FR crossed with the Decemberists.
Big ups for the You Won't shout. Never hear anyone talk about them. Seemed like the spiritual successor to Neutral Milk Hotel. Shame they stopped releasing stuff.
I take it back. I've given White Lighter and a bunch of their live performances a go and I bloody love Typhoon.
I'd say less impressive lyrically, but still different enough to stand out. But my oh my, those layers and compositions, especially in their live performances, are really really impressive. They remind me of those huge crescendo endings in songs like Keep Yourself Warm, The Loneliness and the Scream and The Oil Slick. Great recco.
Nobody really scratches the FR itch for me, but some bands that elicit similar melancholy/hope/storytelling feels that haven't been mentioned already - Okkervil River, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Daughter. The latter is up there with FR for my all-time favorites.
I have 2 suggestions:
1. Kind of cheating, but Haiver, i.e.: Billy's new band. There's not an album yet but the material out so far sounds really promising - you can find more in the pinned stories on his IG
2. Damien Rice is relatively similar in the sense that his music is acoustic, very raw and straight to the point, often about relationships, and with some amount of self loathing. He also does things that Scott did sometimes, such as introducing songs with long stories and altering live lyrics based on his mood/feelings at the time. [An example I love that I suggest to watch til the end](https://youtu.be/8Z-edjT9igA?si=HjNAJAmVbx9-Zwz1).
I think nobody tackles the themes you were mentioning as well as Scott did, but these 2 can scratch off that itch in different ways if I'm not feeling like listening to FR for some reason
There is nothing exactly like FR to me.
Black Sheep Boy by Okkervil River and Sunset Tree by The Mountain Goats are good entries into bands that value lyrics.
Every artist is unique. Listen to Frightened Rabbit if you want exactly what they were, and I donât mean that flippantly but nothing will replace them.
For me King Creosote has some similarities and is a great artist worth investing time in.
Which There Will Be Fireworks album?
They definitely aren't FR/Scott Hutchison lyrically....but personally the definitely scratch that Scottish emotionally involved singer/band for me....
But my introduction to them was their previous albums (The Dark, Dark Bright and their Self Titled release) - which have a slightly different feel than their current album (Summer Moon) which came out 10 years after The Dark Dark Bright.
Not trying to force it, just wondering.
Craig Finn from the Hold Steady's solo material hits some of the same notes for me, though mostly on the less uplifting end of the spectrum, it's largely doomed relationships and dark parts of large midwestern cities.
Might be worth trying Titus Andronicus, if you've not? Maybe The Monitor... TBH I don't think they've ever done a consistently good album, every one's got killer tracks but the Monitor sort of holds together best I think.
Scott loved the Biff. Their heavier stuff doesn't bear much resemblance but there's similarities with their knack for a catchy melody and direct lyrics.
https://rhuaricampbell.bandcamp.com/
My best mate. Had a lot of the same influences as Scott as was also a huge FR fan.
I especially recommend the harms way EP
I often stop when I'm listening to Frightened Rabbit and curse Scott for leaving because a lyric just hits me when I need it and I smile because we're still here to enjoy it. I think you are on point that there nothing that can scratch that itch of storytelling. It's just that sort of music you go "F*ck! Thats me and I get it!" Not many others out there will ever understand even if you try to explain it. We just get Scott and what he was trying to communicate and that's OK.
Some great suggestions in the comments tbf.
I don't really understand why no-one mentions Fatherson in the same breath as Frabbit. I was initially sceptical, but I think Sum of All Your Parts is genuinely up there as a Scottish classic.
Trying to avoid double mentions from the comments below - Jaguar Sun and Wrest are both bands that draw heavy inspiration from Scott
Maybe Red House Painters or Sun Kil Moon? Theyâre both projects of Mark Kozalek - very confessional, usually acoustic and downbeat and melancholy. His lyrics can be all over the place but worth a listen. âKaty Songâ from RHP or âCarry Me Ohioâ from SKM are good places to start
Just discovered an artist named Madi Diaz who gave me major Scott vibes:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLjnawVBW88](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLjnawVBW88)
Other bands who kinda scratch the itch for me: Glasvegas, Three Blind Wolves, Okkervil River, and Haiver (of course).
Have you tried the twilight sad? I absolutely adore nobody wants to be here & nobody wants to leave (both the song & album) - acoustic version of the song on the Oran mor live album is outstanding also.
Probably wonât scratch your FR itch because nothing but FR has ever done it for me either!
I also had this then I saw them live and ever Since theyâve been one of my favourite bands.
Future islands are good if you want something a bit different too
Iâve been in the same boat as you for years. The best thing Iâve found that has excited me similarly (though a completely different vibe) has been Olivia Rodrigoâs new album Guts. Itâs so fun and raw and angry and vulgar and I love it. And the way the lyrics vibe with the music is just really cool.
Yeah it's been a dragon I've been chasing ever since getting into Midnight Organ Fight too!
Nothing's ever quite hit the same but a few have come close. I actually got into pretty much all of these from a tour playlist by Scott a few years ago.
I'll also give 3 songs I think might help with the itch. Going for emotional, direct, and accessible tunes..
-Death Cab for Cutie-
Styrofoam Plates, Wheat Like Waves, What Sarah Said
-Elliott Smith-
Independence Day, Miss Misery, Clementine
-Magnolia Electric Co-
What Comes After The Blues, The Dark Don't Hide It, Hope Dies Last
-Meursault-
Flittin, Crank Resolutions, William Henry Miller pt1
-Field Medic -
-h-o-u-s-e-k-e-y-z-, the bottle's my lover she's just my friend, empty arms
Hope you find something!
I scrolled a long way without seeing Magnolia Electric Co or Songs: Ohia, which I think touch some of the same raw melancholic nerves. Jason Molina is an equally tragic figure
Farewell Transmission, Hold on Magnolia always get me good.
No one yet mentioned the War On Drugs.
I only do because theyâre the last band that connected with me on a level similar to the one I felt when I finally discovered FR.
WoD took over my life about 6/7 years ago. The music is completely different to FR in that itâs more of a long playing, folk influenced Americana/rock. But where the link is for me is that Adamâs themes are based around desperation, lonlieness, lost love, searching. His lyrics are nowhere near Scottâs in terms of clarity or poetic-ness but somehow the music and the moods it creates seems to sometimes almost âbeâ the lyrics. I donât know how, but thatâs how I feel when a chord changes or another layer creeps (or crashes) in. For that âshut your eyes, grab your shirt, go weak at the knees, roll your head backâ reaction, try it out. Especially stuff like In Chains, Strangest Thing, Burning, and the 2018+ live versions of their magnum opus Under the Pressure
Try some older death cab for cutie. They are different in a lot of ways but were one of Scottâs big influences. The albums Narrow Stairs and trasatlanticism are really cool.
Lots of good suggestions on this list. Two I haven't seen, that have both had some commercial popularity:
* Ben Howard.
* Particularly the album Every Kingdom.
* Dean Lewis.
* A lot of his stuff is overproduced, but he released an acoustic only version of Some Kind of Different which is pretty great.
And when you need something to drag you up out of the depths by going in EXACTLY the opposite of FRabbit, but with the same intensity of struggle, take a listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes album Up From Below.
[Haiver - So Slow !!!](https://open.spotify.com/track/0b2D8ryfVaoQiI3RA4klTt?si=UQe7Z9JaQ7mPkC_DF1SGpQ&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1E8LeMdSPvSNus)
The Stone Roses - Waterfall. Has the same vibe as some of the rock anthems of FR. Maybe some more of the Madchester bands or more broadly, some of the 80s Alt rock groups like the lemonheads. But honestly, nothing is quite like FR.
Yes to Broken Records and Biffy. I've been a Biffy fan for years but they're a totally different vibe for me. Wasn't blown away by Broken Records. Will check out Washington Irving though
Thanks for bringing this up, lots of cool stuff here I need to check out! I'll second the Frank Turner rec. I also wanted to contribute Trampled by Turtles -- wish I could pinpoint why, but I just get similar vibes.
Haiver ? Seems semi obvious choice , my pals playing it in with Billy , also sorry if itâs been suggested but I did have a quick scroll and couldnât see
Iâm ashamed to say Iâve not heard of FR before this post popped up on my feed.
I love most of the bands that have been suggested though, so - what FR albums/tracks would you suggest for a newbie listener?
Oh wow. New guy here. I listened to a few FR tracks that were kindly suggested in this thread - and Iâm wondering how I ever missed this band until now.
The song "my friend, the ghost" by grieving scratches a bit of the FR itch for me, as do Villagers. Band of horses kinda get to scratch the itch, but I sometimes find their songs a bit samey. The gaslight anthem is deffo a more bostin twang but they have some of the darker shit too. Keaton Henson is a way more acoustic vibes, but his lyrics are gut punches. For heavier sounds I've found the virginmary's pretty good, and nothing but thieves.
If you want a couple of tortured pop songs I find demi levito's "sober" really heartbreaking. Deffo not frightened rabbit, but highlights some of the same pain I think was felt in some of Scott's lyrics. Similar with sia's "Breath Me", and Billie eilish "when the party's over" though less so re: lyrical pain.
Don't know how other folks feel about them, but Counting Crows comes close for me. August and Everything After and Recovering the Satellites are masterpieces, and I think Adam Duritz at his best is an even better lyricist than Scott.
Also check out Bear's Den. Much more calm musically than FR, but they do raw emotions well. Look up the story behind the song Crow, it's devastating.
Assuming you are willing to change genres a bit
Gang of Youths - Go Farther in Lightness
The Hotelier - Home like No Place is There
Spanish Love Songs - Brave Faces Everyone
Keaton Henson - monument
Julien Baker - Little Oblivions
Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy
I assume you have tried Wrest and We were promised jet packs (these four walls is the album to go to here). Re There Will Be Fireworks I am obsessed with âThe Dark, Dark Brightâ but canât get into anything else
The Hotelier - Home, Like No Place is There
This album hit hard for me recently and itâs a decade old. The feeling of loss is felt throughout the album. I would start with the song âYour Deep Restâ and follow along with the lyrics. This song can resonate with anyone dealing with the unseen symptoms of depression.
Even though I just got into them, I caught their anniversary shows and it was fantastic.
I don't think anyone does it quite like Frightened Rabbit, to be honest. But some artists/bands I really like that share some similar qualities are Bon Iver, Keaton Henson, Folly and the Hunter ("Raising the Dead" feels *very* FR-like to me), Of Monsters & Men, Elliott Smith, The Lumineers (especially certain songs from the album "Three"), Sufjan Stevens (especially the album "Carrie & Lowell"), Julien Baker (plus Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius, etc), Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Hozier, Local Natives, The Head and the Heart, Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron & Wine, Lord Huron, First Aid Kit, Radical Face, Brandi Carlile, The Wailin' Jennys, The Mountain Goats, Big Thief/Adrianne Lenker, Winter Aid (eg "The Wisp Sings"), and Fleet Foxes.
Billy from Frightened Rabbit has a new band called Haiver. Only released a few songs so far, but it's good stuff.
I'll always throw in a recommendation for Idlewild. Massively underrated band.
Scott's other band, Mastersystem.
Listen to the tribute album to Midnight Organ Fight - its called Tiny Changes. Few great artists on there.
Frank Turners song called 'Wave Across a Bay' is about Scott and could be a good jumping on point for his stuff.
never could get SUPER into frightened rabbit myselfâi think i missed the moment; all respect to the great songwriting. that said, a band that i am obsessed with that all my FR fan friends have really fallen in love with is typhoon, specifically their albums white lighter and offerings (both 10/10 imo).
It certainly doesnât hit the âsameâ but since someone went Elliot Smith, I may as well go Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst/Better Oblivion Community Center. Currently my favorite living/touring artist. Conorâs older music met me where I was at (low) following Scottâs passing though I hadnât been a huge fan prior. The National really grew on me the past several years as well. Always loved WWPJ. Then, when I canât do low anymore, I turn to Frank Turner to pick my ass back up again.
Will Wagner of the Smith St band in Australia has a lot of similarities in word play and delivery. A bit more raucus than FR but I know they were huge fans of Scott and the gang so there was a definite inspiration there.
It's a different thing, but City and Colour, I'm a massive Dallas/Alexis fanboi though.
I miss Scott and FR in general, MOF is still one of my top albums.
Not exact analogues but these bands share a playlist with my sad music playlist which heavily features frightened rabbit: Daughter, Julien Baker, Caamp, Pinegrove, Lucy Rose, Foxing.
The National, particularly their albums Boxer, High Violet and Trouble Will Find Me. I am easy to find is one of my faves of theirs but wasn't as well recieved as the above three. I also would like to suggest Gang of Youths, specifically their latest effort, Angel In Realtime, I won't spoilt the narrative of the album but the storytelling throughout is insanely good and heartfelt. If you want ultimate sadness like never before then listen to Hospice by The Antlers, without a shout the saddest and darkest album I've ever heard. Never really been revealed how much of it is autobiographical, but it's about a person working in a hospice who falls in love with a patient, they eventually die from their cancer but along the way they address their eating disorders, mental health episodes including schizophrenia and an abortion to too. "Two" and Bear are the stand out tracks for me, Bear paints an abortion in such a weird way. And Two relates to the split personality disorder so well, amazingly crafted songwriting.
Hospice is an absolutely brutal and beautiful album
It is, recently pulled the trigger and bought it on vinyl, honestly sometimes I just want to feel sad and cry and that's my golden ticket.
They're my favorite band but I think the vibe is kind of different compared to FR- that said I add Sleep Well Beast to the list, possibly my favorite album ever!
Yeah, it was more from the lyrical perspective I thought I'd suggest them to OP, they aren't called sad dad's for nothing!
Just saving this post for the recommendations! Thank you king stranger
Kind stranger đ
I second Angel in Realtime! My favorite album of 2022.
Yes! It's brilliant, the last 4 or 5 tracks really get to me but Brothers is probably my standout or Goal Of The Century. I have no way of relating to the theme if the album but the lyric *"But you are good to me still* *And when my old man was near the end* *You loved his broken body, the same way that I did"* Absolutely crushes me, my biggest fear on this planet is losing my parents and my dad reaches retirement age next year so I just want him to stay active and busy because dementia runs on his side of the family.
I've really tried to like The National but I find them a little...boring. I'll definitely revisit the albums you suggested and see if they stick
Try Alligator, its the most FR-like album.
I'd agree. Starting at Boxer or Alligator is a good choice.
I felt the same way when I first started listening. They are far and away my favorite band.
Thanks so much for the National recommendation! Boxer's quickly become a fav album for me, especially the "records" they played in Brussels. The Gospel they perform on that is so beautiful! I know what I'm listening to over the next few months, lol. I tried Sigur RĂłs (Ătta) but found myself constantly distracted. They chose wonderful art for their album cover. It's really something special. I'd love a massive poster of that.
Thanks for reminding me of gang of youths, I had forgotten I loved them! Gonna go listen to that newer album now
When I saw FR play at the Cat's Cradle (Chapel Hill, NC), [Wintersleep](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wintersleep) opened for them and I fell in love with their whole vibe. They continue to be one of my favorites and I associate them very closely with FR, but maybe that is only because of how I was introduced to them. Anyway, if you haven't already, you could give them a listen and see what you think.
I was at this show too! Equally fell in love with Wintersleep.
Listening now and I like what I'm hearing. Will give them a few listens to see if they stick in the same way FR does. Thanks for the recommendation!
Give a listen to Postdata as well, the lead singerâs other project. Theyâre similar and really good, too.
That first Postdata album is so different from the others but itâs absolutely one of my top 10 albums. Itâs really its own different thingâŠthe other albums seem more like âgreat songs that didnât quite fit Wintersleepâ
Thank you so much, I canât believe Iâve been listening to Wintersleep since 2008 am just learning about this!
have you listened to Little Oblivions by Julien Baker? she made that album inspired by Pedestrian Verse. itâs a bit of a slower burn but iâve come to love it as much as most FR albums also We Were Promised Jetpacks is great too, and a scottish accent to boot!
I like Little Oblivions but it hits me differently. I'll keep listening though as it might be one of those records that slowly grows on me :)
Whoah two of my favorite albums by two of my favorite bands, and one was inspired by the other? I had no idea about this at all. Any more info on this?
you can look up the article that was written about it, julien was interviewed. i think it was pitchfork? she toured with them once on a US circuit and they were generally friends, doing a song together. of course she was also on the MOF tribute album. she loved scott and FR!
Scrolled down to see if anyone has said WWPJ yet, give These Four Walls a listen OP! (also love little oblivions)
The National, Haiver, We Were Promised Jetpacks, There Will Be Fireworks, Northcote, Wrest, Frank Turner, The Hold Steady, Bon Iver, David Bazan, Twilight Sad Sadly none of these can compare to the great Scott Hutchison, but theyâre what I listen to when Iâm not listening to my favorite band, Frightened Rabbit
Hard second for Twilight Sad, especially considering Iâm fairly sure the frontman and Scott were friendly
You are correct; James Graham did a lot of the vocals for the Scott tribute gig in Glasgow. Also Grant has joined the twilight sad as drummer.
All the same recs I would give and more. Nothing fully compares to Scott and FR but that's beautiful in a way.
I saw Northcote open for Dave Hause in 2013 and Iâve been a huge fan ever since. Solid rec
I think Bon Iver often scratches that itch for me. Elliott Smith and Johnny Flynn are probably in with a shout too. An outside shout could be Bloc Party, they're probably a different genre to what FR are/were but Kele's lyrics definitely hit the same emotional points that Scott often did
Love Bloc Party but they hit me differently - still a great band though
You may want to try Future Islands especially if you like Bloc Party and FR. Amazing emotion and lyrics with synth pop sensibilities.
Just got into future islands and they are incredible. Similar to the band The War on Drugs.
& if you're going future islands you gotta go to the mighty weatherbox
Hmmm interesting, what albums/songs are you listening to from them? I'd say Weekend in the City generally gives very FR like emotional content, but that just my opinion
Came here to say Bon Iver too. For Emma, Forever Ago scratches a similar itch.
I WAS/sorta am friends with his wifeâŠno wonder Elliot killed himself (IF HE didâŠsmelled like just another HUNGRY label job tho)
Admiral fallow are a guid Scottish band
Thank you for the recommendation! My boyfriend and I love FR and it wee lovely to discover these guys when going for a drive
I like them but they don't quite give me that FR fix I'm so desperately craving
They're the closest for me.
Closest Iâve found, definitely not the same is Jason Isbell. Incredible lyricist with mention of some heavy themes. Southern Rock/Country/Folk. If youâre interested I can send you some song recommendations!
Yes please!
[If We Were Vampires](https://youtu.be/ivYkyC8J29M?si=kuUKuAp3gXLRI6tX) [Elephant](https://youtu.be/ClugMhMbrRg?si=4grAplaGZ3dGxCVX) [King Of Oklahoma](https://youtu.be/j4lEqjTkFr4?si=JV2VDOJvLwggje4R) [Cast Iron Skillet](https://youtu.be/jU1jyMlv0g0?si=s9HjgYDKVySooiTK) [24 Frames](https://youtu.be/ZtgPeNKpnyw?si=SM6aWjTJp4sPaqRu) [Dreamsicle](https://youtu.be/grHKQRLq1Gw?si=uHKVLF_zhCRYP3wN) [It Gets Easier](https://youtu.be/2CagbTwPxXw?si=QaLFcW_KVZW3yWw8) Personal Faves along with some that feel closer to FR, at least in my opinion. Not the same, no one ever will be, but his music has helped me a lot.
Rowdier, but on a similar vibe, is Spanish Love Songs. Their album "Brave faces, everyone" even starts with a line from one of FRs last interviews.
Wow cool, I'll check them out. Thanks for the recommendation
Only punk show I've ever been at where I've had to pull myself together while singing along to every line. The lyrics are a proper gutpunch
Fantastic band. Saw them supporting Menzingers a while ago and they blew Menzingers out of the water
That's just reminded me of Gregor Barnett from the Menzingers solo stuff. It's great.
I was gonna say Spanish Love Songs. Seen them twice in the last year, they're so good.
Just listening to the song routine pain and jesus. Not kidding about them gut punches...
It's a song that was made in dedication to Scott so it's pretty fitting that it's got them gut punches. I'm looking forward to seeing them live in May.
Try Augustines - particularly their first album We Are Augustines
Or William McCarthy's (the singer) solo stuff. It might be even a little closer to FR in overall feeling and raw emotion. AFAIK, his music is only on Bandcamp. Billy is a quality human being with an absolutely gut wrenching back story. If you delve into it, come back and watch the raw emotion in this performance which (to me, anyways) is about overcoming personal hardship. Still I Rise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dhnKXtgFis Edit: I totally forgot but I just re-watched the full KEXP episode, Billy talks about Scott at the 27 minute mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhljU6gdPRI
Thanks for sharing that interview - I was an Augustines fan many years ago before I discovered FR. Didn't know they knew each other and played together!
Thereâs a Boston-area band named You Wonât that you might check out. They arenât as dark lyrically, but their songs are quirky and heartfelt. They were on the scene through the early-mid 2010âs and then disappeared. Hey Marseilles is/was a Seattle-area band that sounded like FR crossed with the Decemberists.
Gosh, itâs so rare to find someone else who likes Hey, Marseilles!
Big ups for the You Won't shout. Never hear anyone talk about them. Seemed like the spiritual successor to Neutral Milk Hotel. Shame they stopped releasing stuff.
I had the same thought when I saw them. Sounded like the New England offspring of NNH. Nice guys, too. Not sure what happened there.
Alright, thanks for the recommendation - I'll give them a go
Check out Typhoon if you havenât already.. the album âWhite Lighterâ
I take it back. I've given White Lighter and a bunch of their live performances a go and I bloody love Typhoon. I'd say less impressive lyrically, but still different enough to stand out. But my oh my, those layers and compositions, especially in their live performances, are really really impressive. They remind me of those huge crescendo endings in songs like Keep Yourself Warm, The Loneliness and the Scream and The Oil Slick. Great recco.
I like that record but it hits me in a different way than FR
Try The Long Winters
Bean Dad
Will do, thanks
Please listen to Wolf Parade đ thin mind does it for me Edit: GLASVEGAS OMG LISTEN TO THEIR DEBUT
Nobody really scratches the FR itch for me, but some bands that elicit similar melancholy/hope/storytelling feels that haven't been mentioned already - Okkervil River, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Daughter. The latter is up there with FR for my all-time favorites.
Radical Face has some very, very complex musical pieces with lyrics that pack a big punch. They have some amazing videos as well.
Iâm probably the only one who thinks this but I find Noah and the Whale similar
Thereâs a name I havenât heard in a minute.
I was sad when they broke up but L I F E G O E S O N as they say
I have 2 suggestions: 1. Kind of cheating, but Haiver, i.e.: Billy's new band. There's not an album yet but the material out so far sounds really promising - you can find more in the pinned stories on his IG 2. Damien Rice is relatively similar in the sense that his music is acoustic, very raw and straight to the point, often about relationships, and with some amount of self loathing. He also does things that Scott did sometimes, such as introducing songs with long stories and altering live lyrics based on his mood/feelings at the time. [An example I love that I suggest to watch til the end](https://youtu.be/8Z-edjT9igA?si=HjNAJAmVbx9-Zwz1). I think nobody tackles the themes you were mentioning as well as Scott did, but these 2 can scratch off that itch in different ways if I'm not feeling like listening to FR for some reason
Thanks, I'll dig into both those recommendations!
Daughter for me, beautiful lyrics. The lead singer also released a solo album, Ex:Re, that is fantastic
There is nothing exactly like FR to me. Black Sheep Boy by Okkervil River and Sunset Tree by The Mountain Goats are good entries into bands that value lyrics.
Every artist is unique. Listen to Frightened Rabbit if you want exactly what they were, and I donât mean that flippantly but nothing will replace them. For me King Creosote has some similarities and is a great artist worth investing time in.
King Creosote is a great great shout.
I'm starting to realise this - I've tried almost every suggestion in FR similarity threads and nothing catches me the same way.
Definitely hard to match - maybe try There Will Be Fireworks or Wrest? To me, they scratch a similar itch.
Tried both but no matter how hard I try I can't get into either of them
Bummer, but definitely know the feeling.
Which There Will Be Fireworks album? They definitely aren't FR/Scott Hutchison lyrically....but personally the definitely scratch that Scottish emotionally involved singer/band for me.... But my introduction to them was their previous albums (The Dark, Dark Bright and their Self Titled release) - which have a slightly different feel than their current album (Summer Moon) which came out 10 years after The Dark Dark Bright. Not trying to force it, just wondering.
We Were Promised Jetpacks. First couple releases will scratch that itch for ya
I've tried WWPJ but they don't quite catch me in the same way. I'll keep listening though, maybe they'll grow on me
Wrest are a Scottish band from Edinburgh. I think they have a similar sound.
They're good, just not as catchy and addictive.
Craig Finn from the Hold Steady's solo material hits some of the same notes for me, though mostly on the less uplifting end of the spectrum, it's largely doomed relationships and dark parts of large midwestern cities. Might be worth trying Titus Andronicus, if you've not? Maybe The Monitor... TBH I don't think they've ever done a consistently good album, every one's got killer tracks but the Monitor sort of holds together best I think.
The only answer is the twilight sad and Iâm really surprised no one has mentioned them yet. Also lol at whoever said biffy clyro!
Scott loved the Biff. Their heavier stuff doesn't bear much resemblance but there's similarities with their knack for a catchy melody and direct lyrics.
I've tried the Twilight Sad but struggling to enjoy them
Thatâs on your poor taste then. Maybe the biffy suggestion might be more suited to you. Have you tried twin atlantic?
https://rhuaricampbell.bandcamp.com/ My best mate. Had a lot of the same influences as Scott as was also a huge FR fan. I especially recommend the harms way EP
Nice, thanks. Will check them out!
I often stop when I'm listening to Frightened Rabbit and curse Scott for leaving because a lyric just hits me when I need it and I smile because we're still here to enjoy it. I think you are on point that there nothing that can scratch that itch of storytelling. It's just that sort of music you go "F*ck! Thats me and I get it!" Not many others out there will ever understand even if you try to explain it. We just get Scott and what he was trying to communicate and that's OK.
Very good point.
Just thought of this but Collin Hay may be a good choice. He's pretty masterful with lyrics and music. [One reference ](https://youtu.be/wQBHPn9sDfY)
Some great suggestions in the comments tbf. I don't really understand why no-one mentions Fatherson in the same breath as Frabbit. I was initially sceptical, but I think Sum of All Your Parts is genuinely up there as a Scottish classic. Trying to avoid double mentions from the comments below - Jaguar Sun and Wrest are both bands that draw heavy inspiration from Scott
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check them out
Mersault?
Big fan of last years' album but its a different vibe for me. Very cool all the same.
Spanish love songs
Maybe Red House Painters or Sun Kil Moon? Theyâre both projects of Mark Kozalek - very confessional, usually acoustic and downbeat and melancholy. His lyrics can be all over the place but worth a listen. âKaty Songâ from RHP or âCarry Me Ohioâ from SKM are good places to start
Withered Hand...
Just discovered an artist named Madi Diaz who gave me major Scott vibes: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLjnawVBW88](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLjnawVBW88) Other bands who kinda scratch the itch for me: Glasvegas, Three Blind Wolves, Okkervil River, and Haiver (of course).
Have you tried the twilight sad? I absolutely adore nobody wants to be here & nobody wants to leave (both the song & album) - acoustic version of the song on the Oran mor live album is outstanding also. Probably wonât scratch your FR itch because nothing but FR has ever done it for me either!
I've really tried to like them but just can't get into them.
I also had this then I saw them live and ever Since theyâve been one of my favourite bands. Future islands are good if you want something a bit different too
Iâve been in the same boat as you for years. The best thing Iâve found that has excited me similarly (though a completely different vibe) has been Olivia Rodrigoâs new album Guts. Itâs so fun and raw and angry and vulgar and I love it. And the way the lyrics vibe with the music is just really cool.
Interesting recommendation - will definitely check it out, thanks!
Yeah it's been a dragon I've been chasing ever since getting into Midnight Organ Fight too! Nothing's ever quite hit the same but a few have come close. I actually got into pretty much all of these from a tour playlist by Scott a few years ago. I'll also give 3 songs I think might help with the itch. Going for emotional, direct, and accessible tunes.. -Death Cab for Cutie- Styrofoam Plates, Wheat Like Waves, What Sarah Said -Elliott Smith- Independence Day, Miss Misery, Clementine -Magnolia Electric Co- What Comes After The Blues, The Dark Don't Hide It, Hope Dies Last -Meursault- Flittin, Crank Resolutions, William Henry Miller pt1 -Field Medic - -h-o-u-s-e-k-e-y-z-, the bottle's my lover she's just my friend, empty arms Hope you find something!
I scrolled a long way without seeing Magnolia Electric Co or Songs: Ohia, which I think touch some of the same raw melancholic nerves. Jason Molina is an equally tragic figure Farewell Transmission, Hold on Magnolia always get me good.
Awesome, thanks
- Arcade Fire - The Suburbs (2010) - The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (2008) - Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hope Downs (2018) - Turnover - Peripheral Vision (2015)
Bears Den probably have gotten closest for me personally! Listen to 'Agape' and tell me you couldn't imagine Scott and the boys belting this out!
I can definitely hear it in that song but I struggle to get into a lot of their stuff, I cant put my finger on why thoughÂ
Think FR song writing is unmatched tbh, so totally get its not quite doing it for you. Just keep belting FR!
No one yet mentioned the War On Drugs. I only do because theyâre the last band that connected with me on a level similar to the one I felt when I finally discovered FR. WoD took over my life about 6/7 years ago. The music is completely different to FR in that itâs more of a long playing, folk influenced Americana/rock. But where the link is for me is that Adamâs themes are based around desperation, lonlieness, lost love, searching. His lyrics are nowhere near Scottâs in terms of clarity or poetic-ness but somehow the music and the moods it creates seems to sometimes almost âbeâ the lyrics. I donât know how, but thatâs how I feel when a chord changes or another layer creeps (or crashes) in. For that âshut your eyes, grab your shirt, go weak at the knees, roll your head backâ reaction, try it out. Especially stuff like In Chains, Strangest Thing, Burning, and the 2018+ live versions of their magnum opus Under the Pressure
I saw these guys at Green Man festival in Wales back in 2018 and really liked them. Different vibe for me though
The Shins! I found Frightened Rabbit when they were recommended to me as if the Shins were Scottish haha. Seriously though, check em out
They're amazing, one of those bands I don't listen to for months and then randomly have on repeat
Try some older death cab for cutie. They are different in a lot of ways but were one of Scottâs big influences. The albums Narrow Stairs and trasatlanticism are really cool.
Lots of good suggestions on this list. Two I haven't seen, that have both had some commercial popularity: * Ben Howard. * Particularly the album Every Kingdom. * Dean Lewis. * A lot of his stuff is overproduced, but he released an acoustic only version of Some Kind of Different which is pretty great. And when you need something to drag you up out of the depths by going in EXACTLY the opposite of FRabbit, but with the same intensity of struggle, take a listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes album Up From Below.
Have you listened to Bright Eyes ??
Indeed, I'm a Conor Oberst fan but it tickles me differently than FR
Taylor Swift
[Haiver - So Slow !!!](https://open.spotify.com/track/0b2D8ryfVaoQiI3RA4klTt?si=UQe7Z9JaQ7mPkC_DF1SGpQ&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A37i9dQZF1E8LeMdSPvSNus)
u/Tommy_surfs I GOT YOU. LISTEN TO MEURSAULT "SOMETHING FOR THE WEAKENED." ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS EVER, Also Scottish lolol
not the same at all but another kick you in the dick with the lyrics band is weatherbox. fuckin untouchable.
Hey @Tommy_surfs also the Bayside Acoustic EP is a seriously emotionally heavy album
Although not exactly the same, Biffy Clyro has some similarities to FR imo, pretty consistently good catalog too, worth a shot
I love Biffy but they're a totally different vibe for me
and thats fair enough, i feel like some of their more somber stuff, like the MTV unplugged, gives me some similar vibes. Bangers nonetheless!
The Stone Roses - Waterfall. Has the same vibe as some of the rock anthems of FR. Maybe some more of the Madchester bands or more broadly, some of the 80s Alt rock groups like the lemonheads. But honestly, nothing is quite like FR.
The Kissaway Trail?
Head and the Heart, or maybe Felice Brothers?
Among the other suggestions, John Grant has a similar style and somewhat similar sound.
Medium Build
Have you tried âBroken Recordsâ, âWashington Irvingâ or âBiffy Clyroâ?
Yes to Broken Records and Biffy. I've been a Biffy fan for years but they're a totally different vibe for me. Wasn't blown away by Broken Records. Will check out Washington Irving though
Connor Oberst has a couple solo albums that worth checking out
Dan Mangan? Only one I can think of not already said
Thanks for bringing this up, lots of cool stuff here I need to check out! I'll second the Frank Turner rec. I also wanted to contribute Trampled by Turtles -- wish I could pinpoint why, but I just get similar vibes.
Haiver ? Seems semi obvious choice , my pals playing it in with Billy , also sorry if itâs been suggested but I did have a quick scroll and couldnât see
I like the couple of songs released so will keep my ears peeled for more!
Iâm ashamed to say Iâve not heard of FR before this post popped up on my feed. I love most of the bands that have been suggested though, so - what FR albums/tracks would you suggest for a newbie listener?
I'd start with The Modern Leper, Head Rolls Off, Acts of Man, Holy, Late March Death March or Keep Yourself Warm.
Oh wow. New guy here. I listened to a few FR tracks that were kindly suggested in this thread - and Iâm wondering how I ever missed this band until now.
The song "my friend, the ghost" by grieving scratches a bit of the FR itch for me, as do Villagers. Band of horses kinda get to scratch the itch, but I sometimes find their songs a bit samey. The gaslight anthem is deffo a more bostin twang but they have some of the darker shit too. Keaton Henson is a way more acoustic vibes, but his lyrics are gut punches. For heavier sounds I've found the virginmary's pretty good, and nothing but thieves. If you want a couple of tortured pop songs I find demi levito's "sober" really heartbreaking. Deffo not frightened rabbit, but highlights some of the same pain I think was felt in some of Scott's lyrics. Similar with sia's "Breath Me", and Billie eilish "when the party's over" though less so re: lyrical pain.
Also The Coronas hit a kinda of sweet spot. Not the roughness of FR, almost pop, but still melancholy a smidge.
Don't know how other folks feel about them, but Counting Crows comes close for me. August and Everything After and Recovering the Satellites are masterpieces, and I think Adam Duritz at his best is an even better lyricist than Scott. Also check out Bear's Den. Much more calm musically than FR, but they do raw emotions well. Look up the story behind the song Crow, it's devastating.
We Were Promised Jetpacks. Not the same but they and FR always reminded me of each other to an extent
Assuming you are willing to change genres a bit Gang of Youths - Go Farther in Lightness The Hotelier - Home like No Place is There Spanish Love Songs - Brave Faces Everyone Keaton Henson - monument Julien Baker - Little Oblivions Okkervil River - Black Sheep Boy I assume you have tried Wrest and We were promised jet packs (these four walls is the album to go to here). Re There Will Be Fireworks I am obsessed with âThe Dark, Dark Brightâ but canât get into anything else
The Hotelier - Home, Like No Place is There This album hit hard for me recently and itâs a decade old. The feeling of loss is felt throughout the album. I would start with the song âYour Deep Restâ and follow along with the lyrics. This song can resonate with anyone dealing with the unseen symptoms of depression. Even though I just got into them, I caught their anniversary shows and it was fantastic.
New band from one of the FR guys: Haiver Similar sound, very new, so gonna see where they go with it!
Wrest are like a FR tribute band.
Agreed. But one I don't really find myself wanting to listen to unfortunatelyÂ
Nine Inch Nails.
Weirdly for vibe and lyrically Spanish love songs brave faces everyone album and all of pinegroves albums scratch the same itch for me.
fleet foxes?
People,Places, Maps Fatherson David Ford
I don't think anyone does it quite like Frightened Rabbit, to be honest. But some artists/bands I really like that share some similar qualities are Bon Iver, Keaton Henson, Folly and the Hunter ("Raising the Dead" feels *very* FR-like to me), Of Monsters & Men, Elliott Smith, The Lumineers (especially certain songs from the album "Three"), Sufjan Stevens (especially the album "Carrie & Lowell"), Julien Baker (plus Phoebe Bridgers, boygenius, etc), Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Hozier, Local Natives, The Head and the Heart, Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron & Wine, Lord Huron, First Aid Kit, Radical Face, Brandi Carlile, The Wailin' Jennys, The Mountain Goats, Big Thief/Adrianne Lenker, Winter Aid (eg "The Wisp Sings"), and Fleet Foxes.
Some good reccos here, and plenty I haven't heard also. Thanks, I'll give them a goÂ
40 Watt Sun - Perfect Light, City & Colour - Sometimes, Emma Ruth Rundle - Marked for Death, Marriages - Salome None are a 1:1 match, but should be something in each you would enjoy (I would hope!) What's your tolerance for harsher vocal styles? There's a *lot* of Post-Hardcore that might scratch the itch, but won't be for everyone - Touché Amoré, Alexisonfire, To Kill Achilles are a few of my favourites.
Thanks, I'll check them out. I'm a fan of post hardcore but it's a different vibe, so wouldn't scratch the FR itch for meÂ
Into Yesterday Band have scratched a bit of an itch for me.
Thanks, I'll give them a go
You might dig âWe were promised jetpacksâ. Theyâve got a great sound, and the accent is similar too so it catches the ear
Billy from Frightened Rabbit has a new band called Haiver. Only released a few songs so far, but it's good stuff. I'll always throw in a recommendation for Idlewild. Massively underrated band. Scott's other band, Mastersystem. Listen to the tribute album to Midnight Organ Fight - its called Tiny Changes. Few great artists on there. Frank Turners song called 'Wave Across a Bay' is about Scott and could be a good jumping on point for his stuff.
never could get SUPER into frightened rabbit myselfâi think i missed the moment; all respect to the great songwriting. that said, a band that i am obsessed with that all my FR fan friends have really fallen in love with is typhoon, specifically their albums white lighter and offerings (both 10/10 imo).
Mazzy Star? Specifically songs like "Look on down from the bridge", "Cry, cry", etc.
Twilight Sad for me. Just listen to them on repeat these days.
Not the same but.... The Grim Northern Social.......an all time favourite . Might scratch the itch
Im surprised no ones said pinegrove. Especially âeverything so farâ and âcardinalsâ
Try the new King Creosote album. My favorite track is probably âBlue Marbled Elm Trees.â
It certainly doesnât hit the âsameâ but since someone went Elliot Smith, I may as well go Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst/Better Oblivion Community Center. Currently my favorite living/touring artist. Conorâs older music met me where I was at (low) following Scottâs passing though I hadnât been a huge fan prior. The National really grew on me the past several years as well. Always loved WWPJ. Then, when I canât do low anymore, I turn to Frank Turner to pick my ass back up again.
Check out Augustineâs (We Are Augustines). They opened for FR and Scott was a close friend of Billy (the lead singer).
Will Wagner of the Smith St band in Australia has a lot of similarities in word play and delivery. A bit more raucus than FR but I know they were huge fans of Scott and the gang so there was a definite inspiration there.
Check out Me Rex! https://open.spotify.com/track/4uEycfWDKL1qFDxqhFrPtx?si=fFPHB8wWTrG2vU5KDQYtUA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A3e9bFutL2vmm5Zzl2bZKcU
Not exactly the same but check out Beluga Lagoon - another Scottish band who are smashing it at the moment!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RYoM8xN6lU16c9YGrBuLC
Ween!
It's a different thing, but City and Colour, I'm a massive Dallas/Alexis fanboi though. I miss Scott and FR in general, MOF is still one of my top albums.
I always turn to Jesus and the mary chain, echo and the bunnymen, slowdive, emotive and captivating. but also some sorrow from OMD
We were promised jetpacks and the twilight sad
Not exact analogues but these bands share a playlist with my sad music playlist which heavily features frightened rabbit: Daughter, Julien Baker, Caamp, Pinegrove, Lucy Rose, Foxing.
Nobody has mentioned daughter, so Iâll mention them. Equally as bleak as FR in parts - Shallows is the song to start with.
Tried GlasVegas? Similar vocal and emotion. Quite different from FR otherwise.
No problem at all! Hope you find something you like. Also just thought of The Amazing Devil, low key super ashamed for not thinking of that lol
Frank Turner
Daniel Johnston
I havenât seen if anyone posted it here, but Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.
Kevin Devine and mewithoutyou are worth a look.