Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes
The former Gallows singer is currently touring his 2nd full length album, which included a sold-out show at Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms with backing band the Rattlesnakes.
First support act came in the form of Strange Bones, a sort of poor man’s Future of the Left, but in a good way. Despite an initially subdued audience, they had an anarchic punk attitude about them. Highlight’s being the politically motivated “Big Sister is Watching”.
Yonaka were to follow, a female fronted band from Brighton, who provided a less rowdy interlude between the openers and the headliners. The Wedgewood Rooms was filling up nicely, with Yonaka making for a good mix, as there was quite a diverse crowd ready to witness Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes.
Yonaka
On record, debut release “Blossom” and current album “Modern Ruin” may not always be as hardcore as Gallows, but live this performance will take some beating.
With a set-list split between the 2 albums, Frank Carter was the perfect front-man, providing a full-on show with the right amount of interaction between songs. Tracks such as “Juggernaut” saw an energetic circle pit open up, while Carter also instigated a woman only crowd surfing session.
“Neon Rust” slowed things down a little, proving there are plenty of good tunes, without all having to be completely heavy. The show however was definitely at its best during the louder moments. Just as things were getting even more chaotic, the Rattlesnakes had to stop mid-song to check on the audience, only to find it was someone missing a shoe… much to Frank’s amusement.
It was this sort of banter that showed Frank Carter was having fun and there was a lot of respect coming from the stage. Carter not only appreciating the fans and everyone working at the venue, but also showing an affection for his quieter family life, with a track dedicated to his daughter.
Frank Carter
There was of course the obligatory encore, giving the band a moment to breathe before the singer returned to play solo. While he admitted playing guitar isn’t his strong point, it was a brief heartfelt tribute to his dog “Bluebelle” before the rest of the Rattlesnakes re-joined the stage.
Finally ending on the angry and to the point “I hate you”, tonight was the complete opposite to the sentiment of its lyrics. In fact, there was a lot of love in the room. Not just coming from the man himself, but as the houselights came up, the Wedge had experienced one hell of a gig.
Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes “Modern Ruin” out now.
Frank Carter
Words by Mr Teeth Reviews, pictures kindly taken by Sam Taylor @ Loud Noises
Frank Carter
