Those of us that know Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes as a slightly intimidating and at all times heavy thumping punk rock band will be taken by surprise when listening to their new album ‘Dark Rainbow’.
They’re taking it down a notch, hinting at a more alternative rock sound instead of a heavy punk vibe, shining a bright light on strong vocals and harmonious soundscapes. Previously released opener of the album ‘Honey’, and lead single ‘Man of the Hour’ set the tone perfectly, ‘Dark Rainbow’ is a cumulation of timid alt rock tracks with a focus completely shifted from the “break shit” vibes Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes gave off on previously released riffing and rambling work.
Whatever you think of this change of course, their album stands strongly, confidently, and shows courage in getting rid of the heavily distorted guitar sounds. They’ve thrown expectations into the wind and stay true to their journey as musicians, ‘Can I Take You Home’ is an almost soaring, emotive track that show how much we missed out on when Carter was screaming instead of singing. He’s got a soft and comforting voice, and even though I still ache for their signature rambling guitar-driven punk, it’s a fantastic track with a beautifully captivating soundscape.
A hint of what we expected is presented on ‘American Spirit’, those heavy bass- and guitar-lines vibrate through me and make me want to completely immerse myself in this grand wandering rock sound. It’s a favourite out of the 11 tracks on ‘Dark Rainbow’. On the album, self-evaluation and reflection take centre stage, they pave the way for a sound that puts southern gothic balladry and crooning alt rock at the front.
“We talk about how rock and roll will never die, but we never really talk about how maybe the idea of the rock star should die. The whole concept and what it means has always been this glamorised moment, but ultimately when I put that suit on, it didn’t go very well for me. I’m just witnessing the world change so quickly and I’m still trying to come to terms with who I am and what the authentic version of me is. By giving people what I thought they wanted I think I got further and further away from who I actually am.”
They state this album being their “most authentic” album ever made, and that’s adamant in the two things we hear in every single track on the LP; emotion and personality. ‘Queen Of Hearts’ is the best example of that, sounding absolutely captivating, being the moment we understand that what is most important for any artist at any given time is authenticity. There is no point in creating what we think others might want to hear, they can go and create it themselves if necessary. By the end of ‘Sun Bright Golden Happening’ I’ve got goosebumps from head to toe and tears forming, blurring my view.
The album sees the band looking back on an 8 year rollercoaster career and showcases just what it means to be an artist. The band will be bringing ‘Dark Rainbow’ to the UK venues, you can find locations and dates below. I’m going to guess that ‘Self Love’ is going to be the crowd favourite… You can listen to the album and pick your favourite below!
06 Feb – The Great Hall, Cardiff
07 Feb – O2 Academy, Bristol
09 Feb – Academy, Manchester
10 Feb – Northumbria Uni Student’s Union, Newcastle
11 Feb – Barrowland, Glasgow
13 Feb – O2 Academy, Leeds
14 Feb – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
15 Feb – Roundhouse, London
16 Feb – Roundhouse, London
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