Track Review: Spray Paint Love by Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

By Oliver Butler (@notoliverbutler)

Twenty seventeen can only be described as a bit of a busy year for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. The start of this year saw them release their second album, Modern Ruin, with an ample handful of gigs & festival dates, to keep them occupied throughout the year. More recently, the band has dropped out of their slot supporting Papa Roach & their US tour as frontman Frank Carter took some time out to deal with personal & mental issues. Big love to the big man for speaking so honestly, fluidly and openly about it. It’s okay not to be okay, all of you.

He did, however, state that he was “not crumbling… I’m putting myself back together brick by brick. With better materials”. Fucking on ya, Frank.

Speaking of better materials, it’s about time we discussed their brand new single, Spray Paint Love.

Instantly, this song grabs you by the scruff of your neck and pulls you in with a screaming sound, segueing into a slow, bassy groove as Frank lays down some smooth, sexy vocals. This song feels like it’s about someone, decrying the distance between the two whilst the protagonist is on the road. Or it’s about the fleeting love found on the road. Either way, the lyrics are a sultry veil over the smooth grooves laid down by The Rattlesnakes. “Chain fences & gasoline, light up a match, baby burn up my dreams” is a particular lyrical highlight in this track, with “More than a one night song” layering this song in some dirty icing.

This doesn’t feel a million miles away from Modern Ruin, but it definitely feels like an evolution of their sound. It still retains the same grit and dirt of Modern Ruin but the sound feels… bigger. Compared to an absolute hit like Vampires off Modern Ruin, Spray Paint Love feels like it’s a step up. Yes, you’d like to order Modern Ruin because it’s a delicious morsel, but it’s payday, treat yourself and upgrade to Spray Paint Love. Both are good, but this track feels better. The Rattlesnakes have gone away and come back, more venomous than before.

Whilst we had a new album at the start of the year and have a UK tour to look forward to in December, would it be too much to ask for more of this from Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes? Please?