Hailing from Watford, The Rattlers formed in late 1983/early 1984, featuring Mark Carrington (ex-The Crazed) on vocals, Steve Davey on lead guitar, Nick Peck (ex-Frantix) on upright bass, and Graham Woodside on drums.
The Rattlers – I Don’t Want You
Lost Moment LOM003 [1984]
I Don’t Want You – Hey Baby
A few months after their formation, the Rattlers quickly signed with the newly established Lost Moment Records and recorded their debut single, which included two original compositions.
The A-side is a solid rockabilly track, driven by powerful slap bass and a clean-toned guitar, while the B-side, Hey Baby, reveals psychobilly influences in both its structure and vocals.
The Rattlers – Scare Me to Death
Lost Moment Records – LMLP 001 [1984]
Scare Me To Death – Little Red – Mine All Mine – Kat Krept In – Hey Baby – Always Yours – Your my Baby – The Rattlin Boogie
Following the single’s positive reception, the band quickly recorded their debut album.
At just nine tracks, Scare Me to Death is a concise, punchy album with no filler. Boz Boorer of The Polecats was brought in to produce the record—a choice that makes perfect sense, given that the band could easily pass for The Polecats’ rowdy younger brothers (largely due to Carrington’s vocals) while channeling the energy of The Deltas. It is an explosive combination. The influence of the burgeoning psychobilly scene is also evident in their cover of You’re My Baby (a song also covered by the Guana Batz at the time). The band didn’t shy away from tackling tracks more closely associated with the glam scene, such as Mud’s Cat Crept In or Gary Glitter’s Always Yours.
The Rattlin’ Boogie is an solid instrumental track featuring a second guitar with a distinctive Les Paul tone that bears Boz Boorer’s signature style. Although the band boasted an excellent guitarist and a powerful bassist, the overall sound was sometimes a bit chaotic—even shaky—yet it retained a freshness and thrilling energy: the very essence of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Rattlers – S/t
Lost Moment Records – LMEP 001 [1985]
Little Red – Movin’ On – Ever Lovin Baby – Devil Rides Out
In November 1984, the quartet returned to the studio to record a four-track EP under the guidance of Paul “Doc” Stewart and Roy Williams (Nervous Records). It features a new and excellent version of Lil’ Red (originally by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs)—rawer than the previous take but still uptempo, driven by a powerful double bass. Movin’ On, the following track is the epitome of Neo-Rockabilly. On the B-side, Ever Lovin’ offers a more traditional sound, complete with hiccups, while the breakneck-paced instrumental Devil Rides Out rounds off this excellent EP.
The Rattlers – Take A Ride
Lost Moment Records – LMLP 007 [1985]
Shake Your Money Maker – Knife Edge Baby – Life In A Coffin – Bloo Zoot – Gona Rock – 007 Theme – Take A Ride – Mine All Mine – Bad Moon Rising – Blow Up Baby – She’s The One – Love Me – Bare Foot Nelly
Nothing seemed capable of slowing the Rattlers’ relentless pace—not even the departure of drummer Graham Woodside and lead guitarist Steve Davey.
The band returned in 1985 as a trio with a new album, titled Take A Ride. Carrington had switched to drums while continuing to handle vocals, and Rob Clarke had taken over on guitar.
These changes did nothing to diminish the band’s energy or its ability to perform and compose outstanding Neo-Rockabilly tracks. Furthermore, as with the previous EP, the band benefited from the production work of Paul Stewart, who knew exactly how to bring out the best in the trio. The production is flawless. The stripped-back, almost acoustic sound of the double bass and drums (played with barely any cymbals) contrasts beautifully with Clarke’s inventive electric guitar work. The band leans toward the style of The Deltas on certain tracks (Bloo Zoot, Shake Your Money Maker) before shifting, the very next moment, into an instant Psychobilly classic (Life In A Coffin), followed by a Rockabilly-pop number (Gonna Rock) that—with a little promotion—could easily have become a hit. The trio also delivers an excellent version of the 007 theme, recorded at Stewart’s suggestion to fill out the album’s tracklist. In the same vein, Blow Up Baby was recorded in the studio, with every band member contributing to the songwriting. Numerous psychobilly and neo-rockabilly bands—from The Meteors and Swamp Dogs to Stage Frite and The Voodoo Dolls—have covered Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bad Moon Rising. Yet, The Rattlers’ version is undoubtedly one of the best. Unfortunately, like so many other bands before them—in fact, all of them except The Cramps—The Rattlers fail to capture the energy and urgency of The Phantom’s Love Me. The album concludes with Barefoot Nelly, a track featuring a hillbilly/skiffle sound and banjo accompaniment.
The Rattlers – Rock
Lost Moment Records – EX-LMLP 007 [1986]
Little Red Ridin’ Hood – Movin’ On – Blow Up Baby (Euro Mix) – Mine All Mine – Everlovin’ Baby – Devil Rides Out
Unfortunately, just as the group seemed to be gaining momentum, it appears to have run out of inspiration. Lost Moment capitalized on the momentum by compiling tracks recorded in November 1984—adding a remix and a song from Scare Me To Death—and releasing the lot as a 12-inch record with new cover art. Subsequently, Scare Me to Death was also reissued with two tracks from Take A Ride, though still without any new material. The band continued to perform occasionally but eventually split up for good around 1987.
The Rattlers – Never Say Die
Nervous 052 [1989] / Crazy Love CLCD6494
Gone Forever – Cruisin` Around – For Your Love – She`s The One – Savin` It All For You – Loaded Dice – Leavin` You Behind – Never Say Die – The Man With The Twilight Eyes – For You No More – Forbidden Love – October Moon – Never Catch Me Again
After the Rattlers split, Peck played with Paul Roman of the Quakes in the short-lived Paul Roman and the Prowlers alongside Gavin Smith on drums.
Ultimately, it was Roy Williams who suggested that Peck revive the Rattlers name—which still enjoyed a solid reputation—rather than launching a brand-new band. Peck reconnected with Doug Shepherd (Something Shocking), who had briefly played second guitar with the original lineup in 1985. The trio was rounded out by drummer Doug McCarthy. With Peck on upright bass and vocals, the new Rattlers were ready to record. The result was the excellent Never Say Die (a fitting title). With Never Say Die, the new Rattlers delivered an album that succeeded from start to finish, benefiting from Pete Gage’s flawless production (he had previously worked with Restless, Frenzy, Fractured, and Catmen). The sound perfectly suited the band’s new, more melodic direction while remaining punchy and aggressive, driven by Peck’s vocals. The album relies primarily on well-crafted, original neo-rockabilly compositions featuring precise arrangements and meticulous attention to vocal harmonies. Peck also proves himself to be a highly capable vocalist. A few tracks flirt with psychobilly, such as the superb title track and Forbidden Love.
At the other end of the spectrum, October Moon (sung by McCarthy) and Leavin’ You Behind see the band adopting a jazz-tinged rockabilly style reminiscent of The Nitros. There is also a cover of The Yardbirds’ For Your Love.
With Never Say Die and this new incarnation, the Rattlers had found a second wind.
The Rattlers – Face The Fact
Raucous Records RAUC 012
Face the Fact – Running / I Feel Fine – Waiting for You To Call
In 1990, Peck stepped away from the double bass—handing the instrument over to Alistair Dick—to focus on vocals.
The band reunited with Boz Boorer and recorded Face the Fact for Raucous Records. This EP features polished production (courtesy of Boz Boorer) and offers driving rhythms alongside catchy tracks. Face The Fact, a Boorer composition, showcases a melodic neo-rockabilly style, while Running leans more toward psychobilly with its intense rhythm, raspy vocals, and pent-up rage.
Despite Peck’s occasionally shaky vocals, I Feel Fine works very well. The track demonstrates just how well Beatles music lends itself to neo-rockabilly, following in the footsteps of bands like the Nitros, the Stringbeans, the Polecats, and Dave Phillips. The EP concludes with Waiting For You To Call, driven by Doug McCarthy’s energetic drumming.
The EP concludes with Waiting For You To Call, driven by the lively drums of Doug Mc Carthy.
The Rattlers – Live in Europe
Jungle Noise – APECALL 004 [1990]
Rock On – She’s the One – You’re My Baby – Face the Fact – Running – Life in a Coffin – My Way – For Your Love – Twilite Eyes – Waiting for You – Loaded Dice – Bad Moon Rising – I Feel Fine – Forbidden Love – Friday on my Mind – I’m ready – Never Catch Me Again – Little Red – King Creole – Oh Boy
The new lineup of the Rattlers toured heavily across Europe, even playing dates in Yugoslavia, so it made sense for the band to release a live album, and they did so in 1991 with Live in Europe 1990, released by Jungle Noise.
With its 20 tracks, the album offers good value for money, although most songs are played at the same tempo—something that tends to become slightly monotonous after a dozen tracks.
Eight songs are original compositions, while the other twelve come from Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran, Elvis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Easybeats, Gary Glitter, The Beatles, and The Jackals (an American rock ‘n’ roll band that released an album on the Nervous label). The sound quality is excellent, and the sound of the slap bass is captured beautifully. It is a fine addition to any Rattlers collection, though I personally prefer the studio recordings, where the vocals are of higher quality.
The Rattlers – Never A lost Moment
Lost Moment [1991]
Tear It Up – Mystery Train – She’s My Baby – Good Rockin’ Tonight – Rockhouse – Hey Baby – Ting-A-Ling – Little Red – Your My Baby – Walkin’ Whistlin’ Blues – I Don’t Want You – Mine All Mine – Dancin’ Doll – Your My Baby – Rattlin’ Boogie – Life in a Coffin – Take a Ride – Bad Moon Rising – Love Me – 007
Lost Moment decided to capitalize on the renewed interest in the band by releasing the compilation Never A Lost Moment. It features early recordings (very early and uninspired), live tracks with poor sound quality, as well as a few studio outtakes and alternate takes; the result is a barely listenable 20-track album. It is a shame, as the Rattlers deserved better than this shoddy compilation. Strictly for die-hard fans (and them alone!).
The Rattlers – Gangsters and loose Women
Count Orlock R.O.C.K. XII [1991]
Rock On – Change Your Mind – It’s All Over – What Have I Done? – The Chase – Ring On The Other Hand – Back Of My Hand – Through The Curtain – The Race Is On – Haunted Hill – Win Or Lose – Lux Luther Blues – She Don’t Love Me – Beat Out My Love – All The Tears – King Creole
In 1991, the Rattlers returned to the studio and recorded their final album, Gangster & Loose Women, for Count Orlock.
With this album, the band moves away from the polished neo-rockabilly of Never Say Die toward a high-energy—and at times melodic—psychobilly sound. If the compositions are well-crafted, they, overall, lack variety in terms of both rhythm and tone.
Never Say Die had benefited from the presence and experience of producer Pete Gage, who managed to bring out the best in the band, broadening and refreshing their style. Here, the absence of a dedicated producer (the album was produced by Sheperd, Peck, and the sound engineer) is sorely felt. Unfortunately, the tracks tend to sound alike, even though a few stand out. Highlights include the excellent Lex Luther Blues (featuring harmonica), which recalls the Rattlers’ early incarnation; the melodic, acoustic All the Tears (despite somewhat weak vocals); the frenetic and excellent The Chase; and a few others. However, the album—clocking in at sixteen tracks—eventually feels overlong, which is a shame for a rock ‘n’ roll record. The band would have done well to cut the often superfluous covers (Rock On and King Creole had already appeared on the live album, while Beat Out My Love sounds incredibly thin, especially compared to the Cramps’ version) to create a more concise and, ultimately, more impactful record.
The Rattlers – The Chase
Jungle Noise – BANANA 1 [1991]
The Chase / She Don’t Love Me – Bad Moon Rising (live)
Nothing new on this single. The Chase and She Don’t Love Me come from Gangsters and Loose Women and Bad Moon Rising comes from Live in Europe. But it’s a blue vinyl.
After this release, The Rattlers continued performing for a while, but around 1993, McCarthy and Alistair Dick left the band. The Rattlers continued for a few more shows with Tony “Strangy” Gilmore (Klingonz, Numbskulls) and John Buck (Polecats, Deltas) before calling it quits. Doug Sheperd then joined the Long Tall Texans, while Nick Peck formed various rockabilly groups (The Preachers, Nicky Peck and the Folsom Trio).
