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.

Goat have just released their third album Requiem, and with each album they delve further into their own sound. Almost unclassifiable as they take in a variety of psychedelic elements and mix them with a plethora of diverse sounds, everything from disco to tribal, all culminating in their unique sound. The masked crusaders are currently tearing across the country thrilling audiences on every stop and tonight they arrive in Newcastle on a high. 

First up though are fellow Swedes Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation, having just released their own new album Mirage they seem to be in equally high spirits. However, Josefin appeared to have gone missing as the band took to the stage looking particularly lost before being joined by the absent singer a short while later. Their atmospheric take on psych provided a relaxing opening to the evening, with motoric beats underpinning Josefin’s vocals their set ambles a long.

It is a set that lacks a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm, the tracks are well put together but all follow a similar blueprint and struggle to progress. In all it’s an accomplished set but doesn’t really set our pulses racing, fortunately the same cannot be said for Goat. Bounding on to the stage it’s clear that they're excited for this evening's show. 

They open with an emphatic rendition of 'Words' from their second album Commune, Goat’s two frontwomen are immediately taunting the audience and bouncing around the stage. The rest of the band effortlessly holds down these tracks as the two ladies chant a long, there is a real energy about Goat tonight. Their passion and fervour is insatiable 'Trouble In The Streets' is an early favourite of ours, it shows the true depth of Goat’s sound.

Similarly for 'I Sing In Silence', the newer tracks shine through and hold their own against old favourites. 'I Sing In Silence' also kicks off a huge sing along with its chantable chorus, but it doesn’t compare to the atmosphere when Goat launch into a raucous extended version of 'Run To Your Mama'. This phenomenal track still remains a firm crowd favourite and tonight it provides the perfect ending to the bands main set.

They follow it up with a resounding encore, that compounds their brilliance. Goat are truly one of a kind. Their set flits between a multitude of genres effortlessly, their singers have boundless energy and the rest of the band are incredible musicians. Live they’re one of the best bands around right now!