Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake is a hard rock group from the United Kingdom, active from 2010. The band forms in Portsmouth and plays a style shaped by classic rock and hard rock, with influences that include Guns N' Roses and Van Halen. It grows out of a meeting between musicians studying Music and Sound Technology at the University of Portsmouth.

Formation and lineup

Guitarist and songwriter Will Wallner forms the group in 2006, and the line-up includes vocalist Tref Davies, bassist Hidi Moro and drummer Torsten Maschmeyer. Wallner studies at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he focuses on music business and guitar playing and meets industry professionals who offer guidance and career advice. Davies combines classic rock influences with Wallner's guitar style to shape the band's sound.

Early activity and live work

The band spends a year performing around Portsmouth and Southampton, with appearances at venues including the Wedgewood Rooms and the Joiners. It wins the local heats of the Soundcheck battle of the bands, which takes place at Walkabout and is sponsored by Jack Daniel's. The band's record release party is sponsored by Apple, and it receives airplay from Express FM in Portsmouth, Pure FM at Portsmouth University and Surge Radio at Southampton University.

Releases

In February 2008, Will Wallner produces Rattlesnake's self-titled debut album. The band also issues a six-track EP before that album. The self-titled release appears on ROCKWILL Records and is distributed by CODE 7 through Plastichead.