Ratboys - The Window

Release Date:  August 25th, 2023

I discovered this band in 2018 when their name was grouped with other female fronted indie rock bands, and I really liked their 2020's Printer's Devil.

Review:  This album took me many tries to get into. It's noisy like a rock album should be, but her voice feels more suited for that indie pop or indie twee. Still, I tried. It's not catchy like The Beths, but since i played it so many times, I think the approach that got me to enjoy it is to let go of my expectations, and to not pay attention until it grabs your attention.

I think "Crossed That Line" was the first attention grabber. It's really fast like punk rock. "It's Alive" has a safe sound to it, but i found it pleasing to the ears. The title track, "The Window" probably will make people stop and listen. It's about her grandpa not being able to there for his wife in the nursing home due to COVID protocols. so he had to look through the window. "Black Earth, WI" is 8 minutes long and there are parts where its a jam session so that was interesting. I like how bouncy "I want you (fall 2010) is. And the last track, "Bad Reaction" strips it all back. It's simply, but the melody works for me.

Summary:  So I struggled with this album because I expected something more pop, but it's more rock and alt-country, but not fully there. I also don't think it's special or doing anything different from what bands did 5-10 years ago. Still, female vocals are my weakness and I know I'll give this more plays than others.

Favorite Songs: Crossed That Line, The Window, I Want You (Fall 2010)
Rating: 8/10