Last Wednesday, we were back in Koko to catch another band who supported a band I watched in the past but surprisingly enjoyed.

Back in December, there was this oddly and similarly named band supporting Modest Mouse at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. For me, Frightened Rabbit supporting Modest Mouse was genuinely amusing.

Then they played with such intensity on stage, and I immediately liked them.

When I got home, I checked them out online and was surprised to find out that one of their songs, Keep Yourself Warm, was used in a scene on Chuck, one of my favorite shows.

Since that time, the show has featured two more songs from the band, of which, Swim Until You Can’t See Land, was on the episode I watched earlier.

On to the actual gig then, if anyone is still around that is.

The first support band was from Iceland with a name I can’t pronounce or spell and hence have long forgotten. It is a shame though as I’d be interested to listen to them again as their music was quite upbeat, fun and easy to the ears.

A familiar band was on as the second support band. It was Airship whom I saw back in December when they supported Asobi Seksu at Cargo. I enjoyed them at Cargo when I was right in front and this evening was no different. They played a very good and energetic set. According to them, they are releasing their first single soon which is really great as it’s nice to see a band like them start getting some traction. Do check them out.

The main course for the evening was of course Frightened Rabbit, who eventually came up on stage to the joy of the crowd. From the front alone the view of the venue is pretty impressive, so I can only fathom to imagine how it would be from the stage looking at the crowd and the three (four) tiers of standing areas. Sure it would be such a humbling experience and the band was much thankful for this.

And they did not disappoint as the show they put on was quite remarkable though not as mind-blowing as the first time I saw them. Also, no songs from Sing The Greys were played this evening. After a few plays, Square 9 has really grown on me.

Still, the song selection was pretty decent mixing memorable songs from The Midnight Organ Fight and their new album, The Winter Of Mixed Drinks. I tried quickly pillaging Google for a setlist, but failed.

As far as I can remember, they played The Twist, Fast Blood, Swim Until You Can’t See Land, The Modern Leper, Nothing Like You, The Loneliness And The Scream.

For their “encore”, Scott, the lead vocalist, attempted to sing Poke without a microphone but gave up and sang into a microphone with his acoustic guitar for one of the highlights of the evening. After this song, the rest of the band joined him on stage to end the night with Keep Yourself Warm.

Having no clue who they were hence no expectations made seeing them the first time quite an enjoyable surprise and new discovery. Their performance at Koko was still pretty great though, but once you know a band, you start expecting them to play songs you like and they will always miss one.

Square 9.