Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes....now that's a name that's been circulating pretty frequently these last few months. Images of crazy club shows, memorable festival appearances, I'm sure these are still early stages too. I had the pleasure of catching him at Camden's Electric Ballroom, a sold out show. Madness? Something of an understatement! 

Arriving midway through the night, the room was already filling up for what was set to be an incredible night from Frank Carter (Ex Gallows) and his trio, The Rattlesnakes.

The first hit, the first surge, tonight's proceedings were brutal in the finest fashion. Frank played a set of his most renowned tracks. For a band only a few years old, they'd certainly gained a dedicated following, even at such an early stage in the bands career. Every word screamed, sang or shouted by the waiting crowd who were more than happy to hold Frank up on his ventures into the unknown.

Now, this band has an aggressive nature in its presence. In your face punk rock, but with heart and soul that shines through. Frank as a frontman is something else. Not afraid to speak his mind, he was more than happy to address the crowd and council the scrap that broke out in the pit. "This is no place for anger" remarked Frank, "This is a place for love. If you see someone fall down, you pick them up".

Frank spoke of his disgust at how some females are treated at gigs (in general) and he's going to do what he can to stop this happening, full stop. Following this rousing war cry, he invited the ladies to crowd surf to the barrier where he would meet them and lead them to safety so they could go and do it all again! 

Playing 12 of his finest tracks, including Lullaby, Snake Eyes, Juggernaut and I Hate You, Frank finished the night in style to huge applause and by also announcing the that he'd be heading down the road to KOKO in 2017 to sell out there as well. A man with ambition, presence and talent. A huge wave in the underground that's causing ripples on the surface.

Beware, Frank's coming!

Review by Sion Roe