Album
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Modern Ruin
Death Cult (label)
20 January 2017 (released)
25 January 2017
Since breaking into the public consciousness back in 2005 as the frontman of Gallows, Frank Carter has proven time and again that he is more than just an accomplished performer. A versatile and insightful songsmith, his work in both Gallows and Pure Love established a loyal following for the man that effortlessly explores the diversity of the punk hardcore and rock genres. Having established his latest outfit, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes with their debut album Blossom in 2015, the heavily anticipated sophomore effort Modern Ruin will no doubt satisfy the hunger of his fans, but is it as musically on point as his previous releases?
Overall leaning towards the softer sound in his repertoire, the release is on that will impress even audiences that are natural listeners to the genre. But far more noteworthy is that the release, which is truly personal in content, manages somehow to reflect the fraught world within which we are currently living in. As Carter dissects his own existence, listeners can unanimously relate his experiences to a world that appears to be crumbling before our very eyes, yet somehow sustaining it's existence with a throughline of hope. It is flawlessly followed by two songs representing the split personality explored in the album. Lullaby is exactly what it says in the title, a subtle song for his little girl as she sleeps at night. On the flip side is the demon battling Snake Eyes that confronts his personal battle with alcohol.
Impressively the record manages to piece together all the elements that bridge the gap between these two identities. Explaining his need to perform on the jazz-drive of Acid Veins through to the pangs of passionate love on Wild Flowers.
Yet it is in the questioning God Is My Friend and Jackals that the subject matter explodes into worldly observations and societal questions. With Jackals easily the album standout, the beauty of Frank Carter's creation is that it forces the listener to challenge their own moral position and personal decisions while engaging them in a beautifully composed, multi-textured listening experience.
Closing the album with Neon Rust, a track penned for his daughter, Carter manages to reassure his listener that despite all the torment, tears and trouble, there will be a positive resolution. As the global political picture looks bleak and miserable, let's hope there is truth in his faith. While we are uncertain what the future holds for the world as we know it, what is certain is that Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes will be remembered as one of the leading voices of 2017.
Overall leaning towards the softer sound in his repertoire, the release is on that will impress even audiences that are natural listeners to the genre. But far more noteworthy is that the release, which is truly personal in content, manages somehow to reflect the fraught world within which we are currently living in. As Carter dissects his own existence, listeners can unanimously relate his experiences to a world that appears to be crumbling before our very eyes, yet somehow sustaining it's existence with a throughline of hope. It is flawlessly followed by two songs representing the split personality explored in the album. Lullaby is exactly what it says in the title, a subtle song for his little girl as she sleeps at night. On the flip side is the demon battling Snake Eyes that confronts his personal battle with alcohol.
Impressively the record manages to piece together all the elements that bridge the gap between these two identities. Explaining his need to perform on the jazz-drive of Acid Veins through to the pangs of passionate love on Wild Flowers.
Yet it is in the questioning God Is My Friend and Jackals that the subject matter explodes into worldly observations and societal questions. With Jackals easily the album standout, the beauty of Frank Carter's creation is that it forces the listener to challenge their own moral position and personal decisions while engaging them in a beautifully composed, multi-textured listening experience.
Closing the album with Neon Rust, a track penned for his daughter, Carter manages to reassure his listener that despite all the torment, tears and trouble, there will be a positive resolution. As the global political picture looks bleak and miserable, let's hope there is truth in his faith. While we are uncertain what the future holds for the world as we know it, what is certain is that Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes will be remembered as one of the leading voices of 2017.
