CD of The Week

It’s rare for a band to be active for 16 years and still feel like they are getting bigger and better with every release, but Chicago’s Ratboys fit that description. Part of it is timing, as the merging of twangier influences into traditional indie rock has become one of the more notable music trends of the last few years, but a bigger part is the band’s ambition and skill. In particular, frontwoman/rhythm guitarist Julia Steiner has kept pushing herself vocally and lyrically, culminating in an album influenced by her recent experiences in therapy for the first time. Thus, Singin’ to an Empty Chair is the most vulnerable Ratboys album yet, but the versatility and impressive musicianship remain. In fact, these qualities may have even gotten stronger since 2023’s The Window.

The eleven tracks on the new album comprise a cohesive whole, yet all have different, strongly appealing textures. “Know You Then” is Ratboys as a straight-ahead, anthemic rock band with both the tension and sing-along chorus of a great alt-rock radio tune, while “Strange Love” is a pretty ballad that evokes classic country with Steiner’s restrained vocals and welcome splashes of background harmonies. Meanwhile, the first single, “Anywhere,” chugs along with a propulsive arrangement and power pop touches, such as a bridge with irresistible handclaps.

However, as on previous album highlights such as “Black Earth, WI,” Ratboys stretch out and push boundaries to great effect. “Light Night Mountains All That” shifts tempos frequently while lead guitarist Dave Sagan shows off his virtuosity through a series of fuzz-laden riffs and solos. The penultimate track, “Burn It Down,” is a timely and atmospheric slow-burn that is a clear metaphor for a violent form of activism. “Just Want to Know the Truth” is the emotional centerpiece of the album, an epic, eight-and-a-half-minute acoustic song where Steiner addresses her estrangement from a family member. The lyrics initially comprise sweet memories of “sittin’ on the couch / watching Antiques Roadshow” but slowly morph into painful revelations where Steiner chastises the subject saying, “it’s not what you did / it’s what you didn’t do” after “some skeletons” were revealed. The song is utterly authentic and quietly powerful, earning its length and its place as a highlight of a great album.

Levelling up once again on their sixth full-length, Ratboys wonderfully blend the gentle and the fierce, accompanied by plenty of hooks and distinctive flourishes throughout.Without question, the band is now one of the best indie acts in the U.S. and fully worthy of their increasing hype and popularity.

Ratboys are stopping by Philly for a sold-out show at First Unitarian Church with Florry on Tuesday, March 3rd.