Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes 'Dark Rainbow' World Tour

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes:

Over the last decade Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have become an integral part of the UK rock scene. If multiple sell-out tours, main-stage festival appearances and four Top 10 albums haven't shown this, then headlining back-to-bac nights at London's iconic roundhouse certainly does.

Frank Carter and Dean Richardson are touring their newest album ' Dark Rainbow' alongside their badass live band; Tank Barclay (Bass), EI Russell (Guitar & Keyboards) & Gareth Grover (Drums). Dark Rainbow saw The Rattlesnakes somewhat step away from their previous heavier past into a more art-based era. This shift towards pure artistry was captured perfectly through this live performance. It had the flow of a stage show but kept the raw chaos that has become synonymous with Frank Carter. The project's artistry has been flawlessly captured by tour photographer Cara Kealy, who received a deserved shoutout during the encore, alongside several name members of the tour crew. These shoutouts highlight the family environment Frank creates.

The night began with Frank Carter being escorted to centre stage by rapturous applause from the crowd, forcing him to take an immediate bow of gratitude. This, paired with the recurring "DEANO" Chants throughout the night, show just how important the Carter & Richardson duo is to so many. As the night goes on you can see just how much every one of these songs mean to so many people. Their
song 'Anxiety' saved my life, and it's clear from last night's audience reactions that so many others share similar stories. These special songs are brought to life in the most inclusive way which enhances them further. 'Wild Flowers' sees Frank demand the creation of a Women-only mosh-pit, a staple of Rattlesnakes' shows. 'Juggernaut' saw Frank enter the audience to mosh and crowd surf; something I imagine the roundhouse does not see too often.

Artists and their audience being one big family has become such a cliché, but for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes it is the truth. Their shows are like no other, and whether it is your first time, or your 100"h time, you will be accepted and leave feeling part of something bigger

The Mysterines:

Liverpudlian fourpiece The Mysterines were the second special guests of the night, but from the reception they received you could mistake them for headliners. This is a well-deserved reception that pays testament to the hard graft they have put in either side of their debut album 'Reeling'. Their set combined several offerings from this album, with showcases of upcoming music, as they enter a new self-assured era. They are led through their set by commanding lead vocalist Lia Metcalfe who had the audience in the palm of her hands from the word go. This is just one of many signs that show The Mysterines are destined to become one of the country's biggest bands

It is so difficult to pick one moment that stood out across this unbelievably good set, but I think the band's performance of upcoming single 'Stray' may just take it. The song, which will be released on February 20th, is They Mysterines at their very best. Authentically raw rock that stays stuck in the mind long after it finishes

HotWax:

Punk-Trio HotWax had the privilege of opening the night's proceedings, and knocked their set out of the park. Despite being a relatively new band HotWax have mastered the art of songwriting, playing a set crammed full of raw punk anthems that feel tailor made for the big stage. They have a rapidly growing fanbase and the songs to match

Whilst they may still be growing in confidence between songs, something that is more than understandable given their stratospheric rise, the moment a song kicks in they become seemingly the most confident trio in the world. Their rage-fuelled rock resonated instantly with the Roundhouse audience, with everyone jumping and moshing from the get-go.

Tallulah Sim-Savage and Lola Sam share vocal duties, alternating throughout songs, creating a unique sound which makes HotWax stand out amongst similar acts. They are backed up by insanely skilled drummer Alfie Sayers, to create a trio who you cannot help but get on board with