Cardiff is the first date on Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes’ new UK tour, following their fifth album ‘Dark Rainbow’ being released on the 26th of January.
Despite being the first night of the new tour, the entire set is perfectly executed, the band never missing a beat as they frame the stage - each member swaggering over to a new position to receive fresh cheers from different faces. Carter in particular fully engages with
the crowd, choosing to tower above them on the front barricade, or off of the corner of the stage, soaking up the crowd’s adoration as they clamor to be close to the front man.
Before Carter can perform his set, opening acts Hot Wax and The Mysterines welcome a growing crowd. First up, the three-piece band Hot Wax channel the likes of Courtney Love in a dynamic grunge inspired set.
Soon followed by The Mysterines, a four-piece band whose alternate rock sound is haunting and almost hypnotizes the audience.
Carter’s set is a mix of his top hits and material from the new album, the blend proving that this band should be considered icons within modern rock music, and that as time passes they only improve.
Moving between heavy classic rock songs like ‘Devil Inside Me’ to slower ballads such as ‘Sun Bright Golden Happening’ Carter’s seductive vocals are smooth and consistent, never missing the mark and managing feats such as belts and yells still in key.
The audience is able to participate by listening to Carter’s demands, forming a female only mosh pit mid show, and later asking the audience to get to the ground before leaping up on Carter’s que, creating absolute chaos.
Teasing the crowd, Carter and the Rattlesnakes leave the stage keeping them in the dark as they chant for one more song. Returning they play two more before thanking the crowd and leaving on a mysterious and slow note, their theatrics only adding to the enjoyable night.
Set List:
1. Can I Take You Home
2. Brambles
3. American Spirit
4. Queen of Hearts
5. Self Love
6. Kitty Sucker
7. Wild Flowers
8. Tyrant Lizzard King
9. Devil Inside Me
10. Juggernaut
11. Honey
12. Happier Days
13. Sun Bright Golden Happening
14. Lullaby
15. Crowbar
16. Man of the Hour
17. Thunder (Encore)
18. Dark Rainbow (Encore)
