[Originally posted on Facebook: 01/21/2017]

So while everyone was busy with the inauguration, I was busy listening to Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes sophomore effort “Modern Ruin”.

So, review time.

Top 3 favorite songs:

• 1. Lullaby
• 2. Neon Rust
• 3. Modern Ruin

Pros: Frank Carter has had a very well rounded career up to this point, and I’ve followed him for a very long time. Where “Blossom” focused on the heavier aspects of his career, “Modern Ruin” veers more into the Grunge / Post-Grunge, very radio friendly territory of projects like Pure Love. The intro theme “Bluebelle” into “Lullaby” is incredibly strong, unique, and well written, dare I say an even better opening to an album then “Juggernaut” off of their previous album.

The other stand out tracks are the 2 closing pieces “Modern Ruin” and “Neon Rust”. Ruin is the only real aggressive song on the album, and while it doesn’t really stand against songs like “Paradise” or “Juggernaut”, the ending tempo speedup makes it stand out.

Bottom 3 least favorite songs:

• 1. Vampires
• 2. Jackals
• 3. God is my friend

Cons: Some folks on twitter were calling this album a “masterpiece” and while I will be quick to sing some of its praises, it is not anywhere near a masterpiece.

The dilemma of a Frank Carter fan, is just like I mentioned before, having gone through so many iterations, bands and sounds, you get a feel for when Frank is at his best, whether that be soulful soothing melodies or untamed British fury. But to me, Modern Ruin is less like a story, and more like a brief moment in the ascension of the band.

The opener is really strong, the ending is really good, but what you get in between are many songs that start the same way, at least 3 songs reusing lyrical content, and the same mid-tempo guitar riffing that makes me wonder if the boys didn’t sit down, write, AND record the album in like a week, it feels rushed.

Hell, Jackals isn’t even a minute long, and I don’t know if it was to appease the fans of old, but if you’re going to do the short, punk thing with a song, it should be vicious and in your face, not just repeating the last 3 songs in front of it.

Overall: 7.5 / 10

It’s a good album, an album I would own, but there’s just no comparison to Blossom, hopefully Frank and the Snakes get all the success in the world, and return with a third album that can really shatter expectations.

[New note: Overall I definitely don’t believe that “Lullaby” is a better opener than “Juggernaut”, not sure where my head was at there, haha. BUT, “Neon Rust” has become my favorite on the album and grown on me tremendously, as has “Modern Ruin”. I will say though, even with their album after disappointing much more than this one did, the review score stays the same.]