By Contributing writer/photographer:
LM Britt @Rockpicschick
Photography & Music
British outfit Frank
Carter and the Rattlesnakes may have only been a band for a little
over 2 years, but already have found their sweet spot, a unique
interplay of raucous punk and hard rock that dances on the fringes of
mayhem. Frank Carter’s newest group can most clearly be described
as the love child of his former band – the fiercely hardcore,
Gallows, and his short- lived upbeat pop project, Pure Love. The two
bands couldn't be further apart stylistically if they tried, yet
somehow, they seem to have influenced the sonic shape of the sound of
the band, and their debut album, Modern Ruin
(Jan 2017 – International Death Cult).
How
fitting that they would be playing at a very small club in the heart
of industrial Chicago, called the Cobra Lounge. To my surprise, I
found many people who had been fans of the band since the early days
of Frank Carter’s first punk band, Gallows. The audience returned
ounce of intensity, rushing the stage, stage diving, and belting out
songs word for word.
Raging like a bull in a
china shop, Frank Carter is truly the juggernaut he proposes to be,
delivering songs in his live performance with fervent soul-bearing
balls-to-the-wall physicality and conviction. The Rattlesnakes held
up their end, meeting the challenges of matching Frank’s intensity
and swagger with commanding drum work and potent, fierce guitar
riffs. They definitely aren’t a back up to Frank . They are his
wings. The transparent yet powerful message of the band’s lyrics
provided a confessional for Carter (and the listener), all the while
still giving a glimpse of hope through the despair, as in songs like
“Thunder”, laden with dark imagery of immigration and the stark
realization of how we let our fears overcome us.
“They’re all mothers
and fathers and children too/And you’re scared of them ’cause
they don’t look like you.”
Notably, Carter’s
infamous primal-scream puts an exclamation on the truths of
inequality, injustice, and pain that bring a depth to the performance
that one can see is authentic. It’s relatable because it is the
world we are all living in.
Since debuting with
Gallows in 2005, the years and experiences have found an older, wiser
Frank Carter, who now has his own family (one of the songs on the
album is for his 2 year old daughter). He cares about his audience
and the fan community relationships, delivering a speech to this
Chicago audience about caring for one another with respect and
equality inside and outside their gigs.
After meeting him Frank
later in the evening, I could see his excitement for what the future
holds with the way the USA embraced them on this tour. They have
enjoyed much success in their native UK, with “Modern Ruin”
peaking at number #7 in the UK album list. The band has announced a
winter UK TOUR which starts December 1st in Bristol at O2 Academy.
Dates are already selling out.
Having lived in New York
for 5 years, Frank calls the USA his “home away from home” and is
very much looking forward to returning to the USA to do another more
extensive tour as soon as they can. From the reception they have
received on this most recent North American Tour, it can’t come too
soon for their fans’ liking.
Frank Carter and the
Rattlesnakes are the new hardcore punk that delivers from the head
and the heart, relentless and fearless. Their music is liberating,
feeding your soul as it tears it apart at the same time. Wouldn’t
have it any other way.
Frank Carter and the
Rattlesnakes :
Frank Carter – vocals
Dean Richardson –
guitars
Tom 'Tank' Barclay –
bass guitar
Gareth Grover – drums
Thomas Mitchener –guitars
& synth
Photos by: Rockpicschick Photography. All rights reserved. No commercial use without license.