The Chicago-based, indie-rock outfit Ratboys, used the lockdown years to their advantage as they solidified their lineup (adding the rhythm section of Sean Neumann and Marcus Nuccio) while workshopping their new songs. When restrictions were lifted the group traveled outside of their comfort zone to Seattle, WA, working with Chris Walla (Death Cab For Cutie, Teagen and Sara), and the resulting effort, The Window, is the strongest of their career.
The eleven tracks consistently shift influences but remain rooted in the group’s independent vein. Tracks like the opening “Make Noise for the Ones You Love” use a screeching and banging intro, delivering an alternative vibe, bringing to mind early 90’s rock. A few other efforts are reminiscent of that sound as “I Want You (Fall 2010)” delivers hand claps and guitar crunches in a Veruca Salt style while “Crossed that Line” is punky, distorted, and fuzzy, recalling the Meat Puppets. “Empty” is the most of this era/time as it feels like Nirvana and Bush tagged team a rock song.
The band doesn’t remain in the buzz bin though as there are major pop-rock leanings with the bright riffs from guitarist Dave Sagen and layers of sweet strings (via Abby Gundersen on violin) during “Morning Zoo”. Even more mainstream-focused, both the title track and “It’s Alive!” are pop rock gems that go for the arena rafters and succeed. Front woman Julia Steiner breaks it down acoustically for the finale of lap steel and more violin during “Bad Reaction” which is a swirling sedated closer.
When the group combines their various interests, like on “No Way”, things can get a bit muddied. The track has a country twang, a poppy feel, and a rising guitar climax which feels like a wrap-up, before elongating the song to nowhere. Better is when they choose an influence to a tune and stick with it, like the shoegaze-inspired, rising tension of “Break” and the driving guitar rock of the extended “Black Earth, WI” which showcases some of the best riffs from Sagen as well as the strongest lyrics/singing from Steiner.
A varied effort that showcases a lot of rocking touchpoints, The Window feels like a solid new beginning from Ratboys as they expand their sound.
