“IT’S been about ten years since I had the notion to add the word ‘Owl’ as a middle name,” says Scott Hutchinson. You may know him as the songwriting Scottish crooner fronting the successful folk band Frightened Rabbit. ‘A band with a stupid name’, confesses Hutchison. Ten years on from the birth of Frabbit and Hutchison is back in the studio working on album number four. But not before he unleashes his side project Owl John to the masses.

Recorded in a studio in Mull, Owl John has presented the album in the same order the songs were recorded. Opener ‘Cold Creeps’ unleashes a wall of noise, distortion, echoing vocals, begrudging percussion and most importantly a faint Scottish whale setting the tone nicely for the proceeding tracks. The first song to be recorded with the Owl John hat on, its a pretty impressive merge of ideas and influences.

‘Two’ is given the title by default. All the tracks were numbered initially as there were no lyrics. This one stuck. It’s about two people at the end of the world just waiting for the end and with its pounding beat and catchy whaling chorus, its much like Frightened Rabbit’s recent material; that secret formula of noise that works so well.

‘Hate Music’ catches your attention right away. It’s got a ballsy riff and rock ‘n’ roll tempo that Frightened Rabbit don’t dare touch. This is what a side project should inject and as Hutchison talks of his hatred of being in a band last year, its distorted riffs and angry tone suit the theme perfectly.

‘Songs About Roses’ is similar in theme to an old Frabbit EP track, ‘Default Blues’ going on about the state of music today. It’s beautifully dainty and layered with distinctive riffs and melodies. Tied together with harmonious lyrics, ‘Songs About Roses’ is a stand-out on this release.

Feeling like an alien in the city of LA, Hutchison wrote ‘Los Angeles, Be Kind’ around the way he felt upon moving to the West Coast. Complete with Americana influences, this track pipes much-loved Frabbit organ parts and slow-moving lyrics into the heart of it, making for an emotional piece of music.

‘Ten Tons Of Silence’ became a song months after inception. Hutchison had the guitar part hidden away on his phone memos for an age before it became part of this song. It’s fast picking, melodic melody creates a moody atmosphere that dresses the song outpouring on awkward social situations.

Perhaps the only one of joy and happiness thus far, ‘A Good Reason To Grow Old’ is a welcomed cheery track about love. The drums were laid down by Peter Kelly and Hutchison has said he’s very fond of what Kelly pulled off in this one.

Andy from Frightened Rabbit helped create the guitar on ‘Red Hand’; electric, full of weight and energy. Described as the spirit of the album by Hutchinson, this song demonstrates the heart of Owl John.; its not just one person and his own songs, but shared ownership. The way this song flows through dips and peaks shows great craftsmanship. Perfect placement of swearwords too.

One of Hutchison’s favourites on the record is ‘Don’t Take Off The Gloves’ talking about the demon drink and all the woes it brings. The first minute of this song develops into anger, atmospheric noise and echos that send you shivers. What comes as a surprise is the funk elements introduced in the second verse. Little speckles of CHVRCHES even trickle through and its all so awesome.

And all too soon, we’re at the last track on the LP ‘Stupid Boy’. Managing to nail being dizzy, simple and chaotic all at the same time. Hutchison said of the track: “I had to start my life again from the ground up when I got to LA. Going back and doing my driving test, getting shown how to fill out forms by my girlfriend, trying to use the post office; everything seemed so difficult to begin with. Now I stick to the right hand side of the road and I know what I’m doing at the post office. Not so stupid now, though it depends who you ask I suppose.”

What’s come as a surprise to most, Owl John’s debut release is a product of ten years in the business. He’s been crafting, learning and creating quietly in the background it seems and this is pure demonstration of just how to make a tremendously good record.