Ratboys - “I Go Out at Night”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Big Thief, Diet Cig, Great Grandpa

Ratboys have turned up the feedback and grunge pop energy for their third album Printer’s Devil judging from the tight, emotive singles previewing the record due at end of February. The Brooklyn duo have evolved significantly record to record and this is effort no different, adding some full, dream pop layers on “I Go Out at Night” and punk-pop infections within early highlight “Anj”, a nostalgic track that highlights the band’s mature, true-to-self songwriting. First single “Alien With a Sleep Mask On” is the heaviest of the bunch, but is really a breezy pop-rock song at its sonic core. This is their fourth consecutive SXSW and the first where they’ve slotted into the ‘must see’ category, a testament to Ratboys’ natural musical instincts combined with obvious commitment to their craft. (Kevin McStravick) 

2018 Review: With an inherent sense of melody and an evolution towards a more polished sound, Ratboys’ 2017 release GN was a significant step forward from 2015’s AOID. Wider instrumentation, including pedal steel and trumpet that wouldn’t seem out of place on a ‘Bright Eyes’ record, has fleshed out the sound to great effect. It’s also nice to hear, sitting among the many textured layers of instruments, the same thoughtful lyrics that characterized previous releases are still there; just because you move on from lo-fi doesn’t mean that you must leave your soul behind. A more grown-up approach could find the album in danger of passing into alt-country anonymity, a charge that could be leveled at many post-Wilco acts. Thankfully the assured pop swagger is still there and keeps the listener on their toes.