FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES // BARROWLAND BALLROOM, GLASGOW
Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes send Glasgow’s Barrowlands to the mosh pits.
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Frank Carter is a British musician absolutely fronting in field. Known for his work in various bands, including Gallows, Pure Love, and his latest with The Rattlesnakes. He's become notorious in the scene for his distinctive vocal style and energetic stage show. His music style can be described as punk rock, hardcore punk but with he is not shy to emotional depth in his work.
Frank Carter gained fame primarily through his involvement in the British punk and hardcore music scenes. He initially rose to prominence as the lead vocalist for the band Gallows, which gained significant attention for their energetic live performances and raw, aggressive sound. Following his departure from Gallows, Carter formed the band Pure Love, which showcased a slightly different musical direction but still retained his distinctive style. Finally, he found continued success with his current band, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, where he further solidified his reputation as a dynamic frontman and songwriter. The heavily inked man is also a tattoo artist. Before pursuing music full-time, he worked as a tattoo artist, and even during his music career, has continued to tattoo.
For the night, it was clear that nothing short of relentless was acceptable. The ensemble strolled out on stage and robustly launched into their first number Can I Take You Home. The track list played out like a journey taking attendees on a mountainous trek or, for some, a monumental high. With much the enjoyed numbers, Bramble and Self Love, every charge was hitting hard when things took a forceful knock up. As Devil Inside of Me stuck up, the crowd was bound in uncoordinated yet synchronized mosh that spread throughout the venue. Crowd surfers began popping up and overhead traffic jams became apparent as more and more people sailed on through Kitty Sucker and Tyrant Lizard King. People everywhere were enjoying themselves.
Frank Carter commanded the stage with an uncaged ferocity and kept up an intense stage presence while his tight band of talented musicians slips in and out of spotlights without missing a beat. Carter’s trademark vocals – impossibly- strengthen as the night goes on despite his battering and belting performance. Track after track, Carter gave guts to every line and his constant energy fueled the moshers through legendary numbers like Juggernaut, Lullaby and End of Suffering.
The powerhouse set still has its moments of tenderness and connection. The group all seem to have an appreciation for Glasgow and certainly keep the room happy with snaps to the crowd throughout while holding for a story to creating intimacy and empowerment. The encore includes the track I Hate You That which envelopes in that joyous food fight feeling and then Man of the Hour finishes the set in a rambunctious, trippy party.
Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes, together, managed retain a constant happy balance of chaotic slickness. They kept the night free and open while dominating with their incredible music. Standing true to their reputation as one of the best live performances around today, the night felt red hot and unmissable .