ALBUM REVIEW: Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes “Dark Rainbow”

Frank Carter has been on a rollercoaster of a journey, founder of hardcore punk band Gallows in 2005 (think Black Flag), then moving on to form Pure Love in 2011 before forming Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes in 2015 with writing partner, and guitarist Dean Richardson. And a talented tattoo artist, running a shop in London !

Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes have gone on to release four albums with 2015’s debut “Blossom” followed by “Modern Ruin” in 2017, “End of Suffering” in 2019 and then the outstanding “Sticky” in 2021.

Now they’re back with their fifth studio album “Dark Rainbow” and a UK promotional tour. “Dark Rainbow is a record of self-reflection and self-evaluation, memory and gratitude, and it finds the writing partnership of Frank Carter and Dean Richardson looking-back for the first time and taking stock of their rollercoaster 8 year journey. Its 11 new tracks mark a sonic evolution for the band, with songs primed to let their emotionally complex and soul-searching subject matters resonate deep.

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And “Dark Rainbow” is very different, taking their journey in a new and exciting direction. The raw harshness of early hardcore punk has gone, as they continue to experiment, the new album integrating pianos, synths and strings. It remains emotional throughout, but adds a new depth with thoughtful and mature ballads. As well as their well trodden punk / rock roots, there are new elements of rock, synth pop and even jazz tones. Dean’s guitar remain a central feature, but whereas they perhaps previously dominated the sound, they now contribute to a bigger sound, over which Frank’s vocals are delivered in a less angry, raw form, but a more thoughtful and dare I say it, delicate form at times such as in Can I Take You Home and Queen of Hearts.

Opening track Honey has a delicious sleazy rock feel to it, something in the guitar riffs reminds me of Go With the Flow (QOTSA – “Songs for the Deaf”) and is full of energy. It sucks you in to the album right from the off. Man of the Hour for me was classic FC&TR with its big choruses, and would sit well on “Sticky” as Frank delivers some crisp punchy vocals.

Can I Take You Home is an absolute belter, and one of my favourite tracks. Its dripping with emotion

That wonderful sleazy feel is back with the bass and guitar riffs in American Spirit, augmented by some laid back vocals from Frank, but again those power FC&TR choruses are back in abundance. I think this is one of their great skills, mixing soft/laid back melodies with powerhouse punk choruses.

My track of the album is Happier Days, with punchy riffs and pounding bass driving it along. Brambles has a delightful bass riff going on, underpinning some drawn out laconic vocals from Frank. A very very different feel to it, almost melancholic, and a nice change from the power an energy elsewhere on the album.

Sun Bright Golden Happenings really stood out, with its slow delicate piano intro and thoughtful, emotional vocals. Its just delightful, the piano at the end fades into a clarinet/oboe (?) tone as the track drifts away. Stunning…. A moment to pause in the midst of the maelstrom.

Superstar follows on with a very similar style, but very quickly builds the power and noise again, rising to a crescendo in the chorus with pounding drums which are sharp so you can hear each thump on the snare and the crashing cymbals and gorgeous fuzzy riffs zinging along over the top.

The energy levels remain high in Self Love where the addition of a synth alongside the bass is more obvious, giving it a different textural feel.

The final track A Dark Rainbow is stunning, the vocals in the chorus soar powerfully, full of emotion, before melting again into soft dark gentle tones during the verse sections. It undulates throughout mirroring the lyrics “I’ve been High, and I’ve been Low” perfectly.

Overall, this is what you would expect from Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. As always the big noisy choruses are the star of the show, but the experimentation and new elements mix in well, and develop their sound even more. For some, they will rue the loss of the harder, more raw punk edge, but for me, “Dark Rainbow” is a natural progression from “Sticky” building and expanding their sound in the best way possible.

A blast, and some tracks I can’t wait to see live along fan favourites such as Crowbar, My Town and Juggernaut.

A bangin’ 9.0 from LiveWire Music. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes “Dark Rainbow” – Out 26th January 2024 (International Death Cult/AWAL)