Album Title: Dark Rainbow
Release date: 26th January
Review by Linda McDermott
Where have I been? I’d not even heard of the band until this point and here they are releasing their fifth album, meaning I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. So, I decided to have a listen to the back catalogue to get a feel for their music.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have graced some pretty big stages in the past few years including the mainstage at Download and Reading & Leeds festivals as well as their sold-out Alexandra Palace show in London, and just to top it off they have toured with The Foo Fighters. They are celebrating the release of the new album on the 26th of February with their biggest tour to date, announcing headline shows up and down the UK that will please their fans old and new.
Track List
Honey
Man of the Hour
Can I Take You Home
American Spirit
Happier Days
Brambles
Queen of Hearts
Sun Bright Golden Happening
Superstar
Self Love
A Dark Rainbow
This album is another step away from the hardcore punk that Frank Carter started off with on their first album ‘Blossom’. He says “In contrast to their previous records – which were snapshots of the time and mindset in which they were made – ‘Dark Rainbow’ was born from self-reflection, memory and gratitude. He goes on to say, “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, you know? So now, first and foremost, I’m prioritising what I need. Sobriety has been really, really helpful for me.”
The music on this album is an eclectic mix of songs showcasing the writing of Frank and Dean Richardson who have been on a rollercoaster eight-year journey together. ‘Dark Rainbow’ brings to the forefront southern gothic balladry and crooning alternative rock sounds explored by previous efforts. With this latest album, the band undergo a profound shift, opting for a mellower and more authentic musical
expression. Departing from the pressure to conform, they embrace their true selves, crafting songs that reflect a newfound commitment to self-acceptance.
With 11 songs primed to let their emotionally complex and soul-searching subject matters resonate deep. ‘Honey’ is a great track to kick this album off with and one that is still playing in my head. It is one of the heavier songs on the album and has a great feel to it right from the start drawing you into the lyrics.
‘Man of the Hour’ starts a bit mellower with a rhythmic beat taking you through it and for some reason I can see it being sung in a musical! The song was released in September 2023, and in Frank and Dean’s words “The lyrics to “Man of the Hour” question the idea of rock stardom and where it fits in 2023, recognising a character that we all could, to our own detriment, be or aspire to.
The album stands out for its brilliantly crafted compositions, showcasing the band’s musical prowess. The transition to a mellower tone doesn’t dilute the quality; instead, it elevates their artistry, demonstrating a versatility previously only glimpsed. The mix of heavier songs with the laidback melodic tunes adds a rich atmospheric texture to the album.
The next track, ‘Can I Take You Home’ is a compelling song that is emotive and glorious in its delivery. Then the tempo is lifted slightly with ‘American Spirit’ and lifted further with ‘Happier Days’ with lyrics that are again, exploring how they are embracing subjects as they move forward. Frank explains that “this is the most authentic album he’s ever made, and that came from them doing the work, and really getting to know themselves and each other”.
‘Brambles’ is another favourite of mine on this brilliant album. It has a very atmospheric feel to it that is evident from the low baseline at the start. Then the calm vocals start to build a picture, leading you through the narrative before it changes up a gear. I love how the hard-hitting imposing sections elevate it and guide you into the emotive lyrics before it abruptly finishes.
The tracks ‘Queen of Hearts’ and ‘Sun Bright Golden Happening’ are beautiful spellbinding compositions that are exquisite in their execution and are quite captivating with the latter song sung to some chilled out piano playing.
‘Superstar’ lifts the rhythm from the previous two songs and has a liking to The Manic Street Preachers. Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes have a way of taking you on a rollercoaster ride through this album and ‘Self Love’ carries on that ride, it is a fantastic hard rock track that has that great sing along chorus to it.
Finishing off this intricate album is ‘A Dark Rainbow’ which shows off the skills of how to shape a song and weave layers throughout it that are both polished and accomplished.
In summary, the band’s departure from their hardcore roots marks a significant evolution in their musical journey. The mellower tones, brilliantly crafted songs, and exploration of self-acceptance collectively define an album that not only showcases
the band’s musical growth but also delivers a powerful message. This narrative thread weaves through the album, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish. This album is a clear indication of where Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are heading with future projects, and I’m definitely now a fan.
Check out the tour dates below:
UK Tour 2024
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
Website: https://fctr.ffm.to/website.oyd Instagram: https://fctr.ffm.to/ig.oyd Facebook: https://fctr.ffm.to/facebook.oyd TikTok: https://fctr.ffm.to/tiktok.oyd Twitter: https://fctr.ffm.to/tw.oyd Spotify: https://fctr.ffm.to/spotify.oyd YouTube: https://fctr.ffm.to/yt.oyd
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