There's something about Ratboys that reminds me of The Reivers. But unlike those Eighties college rock stalwarts, Ratboys are getting the attention their music deserves. The group's new record, Singin' to an Empty Chair is out this week, and it's full of robust rock centered around Julia Steiner's emotive vocals.
Working again with producer Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), Ratboys continue to perfect a sound that's a bit roots-y and a bit pop. Opener "Open Up" is nearly like something Lone Justice may have delivered, while the direct "Know You Then" recalls Rilo Kiley, with Steiner's winsome vocals conjuring up a range of emotions. This is emotive stuff, but also fairly accessible. Teaser single "Light Night Mountains All That" is here, still a rollicking mix of Nirvana-style hooks and Julia Steiner's cooing vocals. The roaring "Anywhere" is even better, wtih everything ramped up a bit, and the energy turned up higher. Those cuts, and so many here, use a similar formula to bridge the styles together that combine into the Ratboys sound.
Ratboys continue to maintain a fantastic sound. Their approach is not entirely new, as any fans of stuff like The New Pornographers and any Jenny Lewis project can tell you. But Singin' to an Empty Chair works in a way which is both familiar and new. With so little of contemporary indie embracing this kind of Eighties or Nineties vibe, it's refreshing to hear Ratboys do it so well, and succeed with so many listeners too. There's nothing not to love on this new record, and I'm happy to report that Ratboys will be earning many more new fans with this one in 2026.
Singin' to an Empty Chair by Ratboys is out this Friday. Details via the band's official website.
[Photo: Mile Kalchik]