Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Sugarmill Stoke, 15/02/19

Photo credit: Sugarmill Stoke 

Words by Adrian Ball

Packed, heaving, sweaty and no place to be if you don’t large crowds; the Sugarmill in Stoke is crammed with an expectant crowd as Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes prepare to take to the stage.

With support from Estrons, the Welsh alt-rockers who have received critical acclaim for their diverse lyrical content. Their no-nonsense approach to broad and debate provoking subjects, their music is as fearless as their style.

It doesn’t take long for the chants to begin and the headliners don’t keep the crowd waiting.  The light dims and on walks the band with the effervescent Frank Carter leading from the front.  They open with new song Crowbar and the audience launch into what can only be described as human murmuration. 

Before long, Frank is joining his disciples in celebration. Showing no fear he then climbs to the balcony, walks around and eventually dives back in to be crowd surfed to the stage. The bands’ level of energy doesn’t drop even slightly and the whole set is delivered with ferocity and energy. It just makes you stand back and smile at the thought that they’re clearly made for bigger things.   

Each song receives massive appreciation but special moments are saved forLullaby and the closing song I Hate You.  
An absolutely awesome, full on, game changing performance.  Here are masters at work who seemingly really enjoyed it to.