As the past year slowly gets whisked away by January’s wintery breeze, British punk masters Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes boldly shatter expectations and defy the status quo with their latest release ‘Dark Rainbow’. Known for their rock-heavy roots and unapologetic energy, the talented duo presents their newest masterpiece, marking a pivotal point in their musical history and embarking on a journey of self-love, rediscovery and a handful of surprisingly raw power ballads.
Made up of the industry-defining voice of singer Frank Carter and blazing guitarist and band co-founder Dean Richardson, the Rattlesnakes have been going through the motions of many things over the last year or so. Coming away from the high that was their last record ‘Sticky’ – a relentless amalgamation of colourful fireworks of rage, whatever we had to hold back during the pandemic and a few sweaty sold-out nights at London’s famous Underworld – the infamous rockers took a step back from the madness to come to terms with themselves and who they truly wanted to be – as a band and sole individuals. Now, their ambitious fifth studio album dons a sonic tapestry adorned with soulful pianos, experimental synths, and cinematic strings, showcasing a side of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes that transcends the familiar punk aggression.
Starting the journey off is the sleaze-rock riff of ‘Honey’, an electric tale of all things love, lust and the complexities that come with all of that, offering a fiery sound that existing Rattlesnakes’ fans will know and appreciate. The record then moves into the major single ‘Man of the Hour’, a grandiose track that sees frontman Carter dig deep into rock star clichés and the question of where he wants to position himself in the world of fame, glitz and glamour without losing himself in the starry mess. Further gritty numbers ‘Can I Take You Home’, ‘American Spirit’, and ‘Happier Days’ sonically ground themselves in what the Rattlesnakes have always done best, but continue to let introspective exploration take the centre stage.
‘Brambles’ emerges as the captivating turning point for the long-player as the once-boiling guitars evolve into a simmer, creating a musical landscape that invites their listeners to explore the subtleties of what the pair have created. As an ode to the passion of love and the dangers of getting yourself caught up in it, the multi-layered piece adds a layer of complexity to the album’s narrative thanks to Carter’s silky-smooth vocals and a sudden outbreak of Richardson’s raunchy guitars just when you thought the song was already over.
What follows are the two most tender tracks of the entire record – the intimate ‘Queen of Hearts’ and the enchanting ‘Sun Bright Golden Happening’, which feels like it could easily be the end title of the next James Bond movie, especially thanks to its saxophone notes at the close. Both songs offer a very welcome and yet surprising glimpse into the band’s multidimensional musical spectrum, as they take the listeners on an adventure to the lands of sombre pianos, Carter’s raspy chords and a whole load of tranquil melancholy and honest vulnerability.
But, of course, it wouldn’t be a Rattlesnakes album if it didn’t hit you with fervent punch after all that balmy serenity. ‘Superstar’ is an indie punk rock anthem as infectious and opulent as any festival crowd could wish for, with a hook that is almost impossible to get out of your head once it’s dug its claws into you. It’s a stand-out belter of the record that has the band pull back to their roots once more, which is continued by the bass- and synth-heavy ‘Self Love’ – a homage to the person, who, above all, should be the receiver of one’s heart – yourself.
The finale, simply titled ‘A Dark Rainbow’, unfolds as the longest and most inventive offering of the 11-track strong LP. Once more championing Richardson’s distorted guitar lines and Carter’s haunting falsettos, the song’s instrumentals perfectly complement its introspective lyrics and add another layer of depth to the overall musical outing once it meets its ultimate cinematic end.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have never been a band to let themselves be stuffed into certain boxes or branded with restricting labels. Keeping in line with their ever-evolving discography, their fifth musical venture goes beyond the realm of a conventional rock and punk album and sees the British duo tread into uncharted musical territory. Bejewelled with unexpected sonic twists and inventive touches, ‘Dark Rainbow’ manages to yet again solidify the Rattlesnakes as one of the most multifaceted punk and alt-rock bands in the UK while it sees them embrace the eclectic evolution that brings them closer to the band they have always striven to be.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes new album ‘Dark Rainbow’ will be released on Friday, 26th January.
Written by Laura Weingrill // photography by Brian Rankin
GEM Magazine 