FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES - DARK RAINBOW
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ evolution as a band has been nothing but fascinating and intriguing to witness. While their debut album, Blossom, was fueled through anger, fear, regret and loss, every project since not only creatively edged towards a more mellow listening experience but simultaneously allowed the band to make peace with their subject material at hand, leading to a key creative growth that only keeps getting stronger.
The fifth studio album, Dark Rainbow successfully follows the highly energetic Sticky, which was a perfect companion to the post-pandemic frustration and rage that the majority of people felt during those times. This new entry sees the band move into a more mellow, romantic, and flirtatious direction, integrating elements from jazz and funk, and encompassing more piano work, string instruments, and synths.
While at first listen, this sound is bound to take the listener by surprise, especially considering the anger-driven past of previous projects, the calm and melancholic tone of lead vocalist Frank Carter’s delivery throughout Dark Rainbow is emotionally impactful, creating an atmosphere that is not only more accessible to broader crowds but proudly puts the essence of what makes this band special on show for the whole world.
There is a perfect feeling of nostalgia and sadness through the thought-provoking yet bittersweet ballads such as ‘Brambles’, ‘Queen of Hearts’, and ‘Sun Bright Golden Happening’, which beautifully interweave pianos, clarinet, and string instruments to create an excellent new direction for the band. This intimacy parallels the signature sound they present during the opener Honey, lead single ‘Man of the Hour’, ‘Superstar’ and ‘Self Love’. All these songs develop and portray the band in a flirtier and sexier light, making the electric riffs and heavier moments even more impactful and visible throughout Dark Rainbow.
Thematically, whether it be the evolution of moving past the expectations and stereotypes that follow the life of a rock star, the acceptance of self-love, or quite literally songs about sex, the band have effortlessly and flawlessly mashed up a multitude of genres and themes that keeps the album sounding fresh and exciting from beginning to end.
Make no mistakes, Dark Rainbow is unapologetically a staple Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes album through and through. Their signature sound and character oozes throughout the duration of this 11-track masterpiece, which makes the creative evolution of the band more exciting and impressive. This freedom of creativity and expression throughout is bound to leave an impact on their legacy and career, as they hint at a brand-new future that their audience should expect from their sound. It is the perfect beginning to a new era that is already addictive and memorable. They have managed to not only create a project that will more than likely break the mold of their audience’s perception but will invite more listeners their way. One thing is for sure, this album could well enough be the album that leads Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes into arena show status, and it is well deserved.
Dan Tsourekas
★★★★★