8

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

When Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes were billed to support Sum 41 there was a huge buzz among music fans and after seeing this performance at O2 Forum Kentish Town you could see why.

When they took to the stage for this last night of the tour, the majority of the crowd were ecstatic to see the ex Galllows frontman doing what he does alongside the band, as for the rest of us, were a little baffled by first impressions, but these were quickly overcome.

Although supported by a full band of musicians, it is Frank Carter that seems to get all the attention. He is by all means not one of the most enjoyable vocalists to listen to with his tones being gruff to the point of scratchy, spoken at times while screaming at others as he performed tracks such as Hate You, Devil Inside Me and Jackals. It is not the voice however that catches your attention when this man performs it is his on (and off) stage antics. He talks to the crowd like they are his mates rather than supportive fans. He orders them around, “move back” or “get out of my way” as he instructs them to run around the sound booth and slide across the floor on their knees with some threatening aspects thrown in for those that don’t want to listen. He doesn’t make out that he is superior than his supporters, in fact declaring he needs the cash so go buy the album!

The most astonishing moment was when he physically moved the crowd aside to get up close and personal to perform Beautiful Death, a song written in remembrance for his late father in-law. This was the only softer moment to the set and one that made any individual that wasn’t already a fan of Frank Carter see some aspect of true talent in this musician.