REVIEW: The Rattlebacks - Sidewinder

After an explosive EP entitled 'Kink', The Rattlebacks are back with their eagerly awaited debut album 'Sidewinder'. The Brighton quintet began its journey in 2021 with childhood friends Coxy (rhythm guitar) and Max Horn (lead guitarist) recruiting bassist Jack “The Hell” Hollamby and drummer Seth Markes. After a two and half year long quest for the right vocalist, they found their perfect match in Josh Clarke. Together they breathed new life into the hard rock genre while still allowing space for nostalgia with nods to bands such as Guns N Roses, Alice In Chains or Alter Bridge.

The band noted that “this debut album has been a lifetime in the making, made with the sole intention of reinvigorating the hard rock genre. These fans don’t want rehashed versions of what has been before, they want a band forging their own path and this is the first taste of us doing just that. Hard rock fans have deserved better for far too long, and we believe we’ve delivered the record that fans of the genre have been missing for decades.” We got the opportunity to listen to 'Sidewinder' ahead of its release, so does it hold up to the hype?

From the get go, we are thrown into a strong 80's hard rock feel with a very catchy loop rhythm coming back on the chorus on 'The Taste'. This is not only a rallying cry, but also a ballad and an anthem. It has a slightly experimental quality with a very balanced mix. The bass build up feels new, creating a powerful transition into the guitar solo and lyrical explosion. This track undoubtedly feels like a future classic with an early Metallica quality, from the heaviness and a notable stadium rock feel to it - be prepared for it to be stuck in your head forever!

After this epic start we do not get a chance to breathe, we’re hit with 'Dementia Lounge' which is none other than the album’s first single. It establishes the band as a style shapeshifter, mixing elements until what comes out is purely their own. It is clearly based in classic rock, but has a lot of heavier influence at the same time. The gravelly vocals and arrangement evoke grunge, and it also has an almost punk twist with its frantic start and rhythm. It's an immediate ascension from the first song, locking the listener’s attention in.

Once again the band change gear when getting into 'Gods', which has a jaw dropping glam rock essence, but is followed by 'How Calm The Silence' which definitely makes the Alter Bridge influence feel more like an homage here. The latter also has an unexpected chorus that you'll be very excited to discover, with clean vocals contrasting with distorted strings. 'Open Your Mind' brings back the stadium vibe we could clearly see on the opening track, in a smart and well-placed recap of what the band is all about mid-album. This is without a doubt an anthem that should be sung by hundreds. It is very audience-oriented, especially in its chorus building crowd-like back vocals and a guiding rhythm with the bass. It feels like a love letter from the band to its audience, inviting us in.

We then get back into the changing channels dynamic for this last part of the album. 'Please Me' will surprise you with a contemporary hard rock twist, while 'Swing' is a lot heavier from the start. It again catches you off guard with a doom-reminiscent instrumentation and repetition while still being true to its hard rock roots. 'Behind You' keeps us on our toes with a classic ballad feel which makes you think that you know the words before it's even really started. It brings in some strings too, giving a more modern twist on a classic format, and its powerful built up in the middle through to the end is the perfect transition into 'Waste'.

This piece, just like 'Lady in Wait' right afterwards, seems to jump forward in time and bring the 90's into the mix. You will struggle not to think of Limp Bizkit during both songs, in a welcome twist to the formula. The last song of the release is none other than 'Lazy Brian'. It rolls out as an open conclusion, bringing in elements of multiple previous songs into a callback and finale that manages to ask the listener if they've enjoyed everything previous, and answer it for them with a resounding yes.

In a manner of speaking, this album brings us back to the future, in that it is a timeline and style connector. The Rattlebacks have poured oil over a genre that sometimes feels like a dying flame, reminding everyone that hard rock can be innovative and fresh. It honours those who came before while adding their own unique touch to the musical pantheon. 'Sidewinder' is raw but soft, energetic and a coming together call. The band is also currently on tour in the UK, so fluff up your hair and don’t lose a chance to see them near you.

'Sidewinder' will be independently released on November 15th.

Words: Lysandre Pons

Photo: Blackham Images