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Live Review: Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Basement – Rock City, Nottingham – 06/12/2017

Live Photos: Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes - O2 Bristol Academy, Bristol - 01/12/201

Since forming in 2015, there has been no stopping Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. With a formidable live reputation alongside two stellar full-lengths, they’ve gone from strength to strength in a relatively short space of time. They’re ending 2017 with their biggest headline shows to date. While their show at London’s Brixton Academy has been earmarked to be “the big one”, tonight Carter and company return to Nottingham.

As for tonight’s main support, Basement, their last visit to Nottingham was just over 12 months ago when they opened for Bring Me The Horizon on their impressive arena outing. Since then, they’ve continued touring leaving us a growing desire for new music. While tonight’s 30 minutes outing doesn’t fulfill that purpose, it does give the quintet an opportunity to blast through a short “Best Of” set. Showcasing cuts from all three albums to date, there is an appreciative response from the growing crowd to Basement’s 90s-tinged alt-rock. Longtime fan favourites ‘Whole’ and ‘Pine’ serve as the highlights, as they are sung in unison by a smattering of the crowd. (3.5/5)

Tonight’s headliners walk on to a body-shaking grime beat before unleashing into their explosive brand of rock. Over the next hour and a half, Carter alongside guitarist Dean Richardson, bassist Tom Barkley, drummer Gareth Glover and Thomas Mitchener (guitar/keys), show why they’re one of UK rock’s best live acts right now.

While it’s easy to praise Carter for his charismatic-yet-sincere role as frontman, as a unit, The Rattlesnakes are a blistering force, carrying their set with unrelenting energy. ‘Juggernaut’ is preceded by Carter stating this is a safe space for female audiences members, encouraging them to invade the stage. Sure enough, he’s soon surrounded by girls on stage, all in the spirit of just having a good time.

‘Vampires’ broods along with a sludgy bass groove before a handful of cuts from this year’s ‘Modern Ruin’ highlights their ability to produce anthemic rock songs with a subtle punk rock bite. While recent single, ‘Spray Paint Love’ fits in nicely with its strutting, cooler than cool tone.

As you’d expect from Carter, he’s not afraid to venture around whatever venue he’s in. Disappearing after ‘Modern Ruin’ with Richardson being a distraction on the barrier as they begin playing ‘Loss’. An absent Carter begins singing before appearing on the balcony overseeing Rock City’s legendary stage. As he makes his way down the stairs, he ends the song diving off a side barrier into a sea of euphoric fans.

By the time the chugging of ‘Devil Inside Me’ begins their fantastic four-song encore, Carter and company are beaming with broad smiles as the crowd take over his singing duties. Followed by ‘Snake Eyes’ and ‘Lullaby’, it’s clear that FC&TR are elated and thankful for the response they’re getting. The atmosphere in the sold-out room is one of unity, even during the angst-ridden finale of ‘I Hate You’.

While their elevation from intimate clubs to academy sized rooms has been rapid, on tonight’s evidence, Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes simply back it up through hard, accessible rock songs that are genuine, and by a band that grateful to be where they are. None more so than Carter himself. Having gone through some troubled times in recent years, you get the impression that his gratitude is completely genuine. There’s no ego in sight as his positivity and tireless energy radiates and connects throughout.

With stadium shows supporting Foo Fighters pencilled in for next summer, we have a feeling that Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes will give Dave Grohl and company a run for their money. (5/5)

4.5/5

Words by Sêan Reid (@SeanReid86). Photos by Anthony Shaw Photography and taken at O2 Bristol Academy, Bristol – 01/12/2017.

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