WORDS BY GAVIN WILLIAMS
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
“Dark Rainbow”
Set For Release On 26th January 2024
“Dark Rainbows Completely Sheds The Skin Of Gallows”
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are back with their most introspective and genre-bending album yet, Dark Rainbow.
Dropping on January 26th, 2024, Dark Rainbow marks a bold departure from the band’s signature punk onslaught. After three consecutive UK Top 10 albums and critical acclaim from the likes of Clash, DIY, and NME, they’re choosing to defy convention and carve a new path.
Fuelled by personal reflection and a desire for positive change, Dark Rainbow throws aside the rulebook and welcomes a varied tapestry of sound.
Pianos, synths, and strings join forces with Frank Carter’s subdued, taught vocals. The LP weaves a blend of punk, soulful crooning, as well as swaggering funk and introspective shoegaze. It’s a testament to the band’s growth and versatility, proving that punk can evolve without losing its raw power.
Carter himself calls Dark Rainbow his most authentic work to date, a product of deep introspection and vulnerability. He and the band have shed their masks and confronted uncomfortable truths, emerging with a potent message about the dangers of conformity and the importance of staying true to oneself.
This introspective spirit shines through on the album’s lead single, “Man of the Hour,” a scathing critique of the modern rock star persona. It’s a call to arms against inauthenticity and a powerful reminder that true value lies in embracing who you really are. When Carter left Gallows, the band stated in an NME article that he wanted them to turn in to Queens of the Stone Age. With Dark Rainbow, it sounds like he’s finally accomplished that mission. Especially on album opener ‘Honey’.
But Dark Rainbow isn’t all introspection and brooding. There are a handful of upbeat offerings, alongside hauntingly beautiful moments like “Brambles,” “Queen of Hearts,” and “Sun Bright Golden Happening.”
This album is an open invitation to witness the band’s headspace in 2024. One of self-discovery. It’s not an album that demands that you listen, but it’s a rewarding journey if you do.
I urge you to check it out when it drops on January 26th. You won’t be disappointed.
And if you’re hungry for more, the band embarks on a world tour in February 2024.
7/10
DARK RAINBOW TRACK LISTING
1. Honey2. Man of the Hour3. Can I Take You Home4. American Spirit5. Happier Days6. Brambles7. Queen of Hearts8. Sun Bright Golden Happening9. Superstar10. Self Love11. A Dark Rainbow
World Tour 2024
06 Feb – The Great Hall, Cardiff, UK
07 Feb – O2 Academy, Bristol, UK
09 Feb – Academy, Manchester, UK
10 Feb – Northumbria Uni Student’s Union, Newcastle, UK
11 Feb – Barrowland, Glasgow, UK
13 Feb – O2 Academy, Leeds, UK
14 Feb – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, UK
15 Feb – Roundhouse, London, UK
16 Feb – Roundhouse, London, UK
22 Feb – Metropol, Berlin, DE
23 Feb – Live Music Hall, Cologne, DE
24 Feb – Le Bataclan, Paris, FR
26 Feb – AB Main Hall, Brussels, BE
27 Feb – 013 Poppodium, Tilburg, Netherlands, NL
16 Apr – Magnet House, Perth, AUS
18 Apr – The Gov, Adelaide, AUS
19 Apr – 170 Russell, Melbourne, AUS
20 Apr – Barwon Club, Geelong, AUS
23 Apr – Triffid, Brisbane, AUS
24 Apr – Crowbar, Sydney, AUS
13 May – The End, Nashville TN, USA
14 May – Subterranean, Chicago IL, USA
17 May – Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON,CAN
20 May – Foundry, Philadelphia PA, USA
21 May – The Gramercy Theatre, New York NY, USA
22 May – Atlantis, Washington DC, USA
FOLLOW FRANK CARTER AND THE RATTLESNAKES
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
