Album Review: Ratboys - Singin' To An Empty Chair

Ratboys

Singin' To An Empty Chair

**** out of *****

The Chicago, IL based Ratboys stoutly mix country, rock, and pop on Singin' To An Empty Chair, their sixth studio album and first for New West Records. 

The group, Julia Steiner (acoustic and electric guitar, vocals), Dave Sagan (electric guitar and pocket piano), Sean Neumann (bass, synth bass, and vocals), Marcus Nuccio (drums, tambourine, shaker, and synthesizers) worked with co-producer Chris Walla who also contributed synths and loops to the sound of the album. That production is excellent as the band sounds vibrant throughout with deep drums, layers of guitars, bombastic rock when called for, as well more nuanced acoustic country splashes. 

The swaying between genres in and out of songs reminds of recent Wednesday successes and Ratboys seem to be building off of that country-gaze style, with a bit more pop polish. The twang is elevated for the rocking "Penny in the Lake" and the country shuffling soul of "Strange Love" is a breezy ride, while "Know You Then" shifts things a bit, going big alt-rock in the vein of Weezer.  

Lyrically written based on the gestalt therapy of 'The Empty Chair Technique' the group use this as a venting idea and their 'therapy-as-lyrics' style works well. The pumping shambolic power pop of "Anywhere" describes a panic attack in detail before latching on as a shadow, resulting in a dynamite single. The other standout effort is "Light Night Mountains All That" which expertly deploys skittering drums and a revved up sense of tension that is taut and electric before drawing out to extended breathy close. 

When the band spreads out and slows down positive results also follow. Ratboys winding "Just Want You to Know the Truth" is an exhale that deals with specifically personal details of a crumbling relationship around guitars and layers of sounds while "Burn It Down" continues that vibe with a heavier wobbling shimmer in the vein of Neil Young and Crazy Horse.       

Steiner's vocals can be so light and airy that matching with the heavier sides of the record can be a bit jarring. Better is the Juice Newton "Queen of Hearts" influenced "What's Right?" which brings in bright 80's inspired pop along their twangy country rock road. The album wraps with the southing easy strolling twang of "At Peace in the Hundred Acre Wood" as ooh-and aah's are long for the ride with chimes and plucking strings. 

A strong album that plays with genres, therapeutic lyrics and gorgeous production, Singin' To An Empty Chair finds Ratboys confidently taking that next step in their career.    

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