I’m kicking off 2017 with Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ second studio release; Modern Ruin (International Death Cult). I’d heard of the group just a few weeks prior, after falling face first down a YouTube rabbit hole that started with Cancer Bats, jumped to old Gallows stuff, and finally landed on our band in question. I loved 2015’s Blossom (International Death Cult) and so had high hopes for this album.

First up, Modern Ruin has some great singles on it that will have you singing along; ‘Snake Eyes’ was the first track I listened to and I was immediately pulled in and I think everyone can relate to the lines “What did I do last night, and will I be ashamed?”, especially over the last few weeks! New year, same old mistakes. ‘Lullaby’ might just be my favorite song on the album as a whole – I’m a sucker for anything sad and/or spooky. I think I can relate to it a little too much. We pick up the pace a little bit with the poppy and catchy ‘Wild Flowers’.  Half love, half break-up song, a shared human experience in having a budding romance snuffed out as quickly as it started. Don’t expect to be left feeling sorry for yourself or sad, though, life goes on and so does this song.

Moving away from the singles a bit, ‘Vampires’ is every bit as energetic could easy have been another one. This song will easily find a home in Halloween playlists, simply because of the title, but shouldn’t be written off as just some gimmicky tune. ‘Vampires’ has some real staying power and I think it’ll become a favorite for listeners. An honorable mention also goes out to ‘Real Life’ for being a heartbreaking and persistent earworm.

I thoroughly enjoyed this record overall and find myself singing lines here and there, or waking up with a song or two in my head as soon as my mind reaches consciousness. At the very least, it’s been happening for over two weeks now and I’m perfectly alright with that. Don’t let my love of heavily tattooed punks cloud your judgment, though. Pick up a copy of Modern Ruin and let it speak to you. Maybe even dance a little.

Catch Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes all across Europe and at select festivals in the States. I’ll be here pouting and hoping for a full US tour…

8.0/10

 ALEIDA LA LLAVE