Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes, Riverside, Newcastle

Photo: Lee Hammond

Following on from stints in Gallows and then Pure Love, Frank Carter has just released his second album Modern Ruin with his band The Rattlesnakes. On the face of it his latest incarnation doesn’t appear to be as visceral as his previous work, but things can often be very different live. Carter is not known for his shy and retiring performances. Tonight sees him continuing on his sold out UK tour and following rave reviews from the two dates previous, there is certainly an air of anticipation tonight.

As we arrive Yonaka have just taken to the stage and as the room fills their tracks lack any atmosphere, as they hit their stride the guitars sound weak against the thundering bass and drums. Similarly, the vocals seem to fade into the background, its unfortunate though as within the dirge of bass and drums there is something interesting. However, it fails to ignite the now packed audience who seem to lack enthusiasm for Yonaka.

It’s a very different story for Frank Carter though as the lights dim and the tension mounts, the band take their places and the thrum of ‘Snake Eyes’ fills the room. As Carter emerges in his gold pinstripe suit the crowd erupt into raucous verse, grabbing the microphone he immediately begins to taunt them. From the off the previously civilised audience turns into a mass of flailing limbs as the bravest surf on top of them.

Bodies drop over the barriers at will, Carter remains un-phased by the mayhem and chaos that has ensued following his arrival. Helping the odd one out and welcoming them to his stage its an energetic start, he shares his microphone before allowing them to re-join pandemonium. As he announces ‘Wild Flowers’ he provides a stern warning to all males in the crowd as another barrage of crowd surfing commences.

There is the odd moment of calm during ‘Bluebelle’ and ‘Jackals’, but any serenity is short-lived as the madness is always quick to continue. As the set reaches it’s crescendo it’s a trio of powerful and passionate tracks that see both Carter and the entire audience in full voice, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Devil Inside Me’ and the riot inducing ‘I Hate You’ all round out an insane set.

However, Frank Carter must be commended for his heartfelt passion and gratitude, he repeatedly thanks all involved including the often unrecognised security. For all his tracks are turbulent and incite unruly reactions, the affection that is shown from both the crowd and Carter himself is exceptional and often unheard of.