Stream the Chicago indie band’s excellent new LP
Dreamy, gazy Chicago indie rockers Ratboys are on a trajectory that you just can’t ignore. Their 2015 debut LP AOID solidified their rabid status on the DIY circuit, while 2017’s followup GN saw them break through in a big way in the indie sphere. Now the band – led by Julia Steiner and David Sagan – is gearing up to release its third full-length album Printer’s Devil, which officially drops this Friday via Topshelf Records. But as of last night, you can stream the album in full right now over at MTV.com.
Printer’s Devil is another impressive creative leap forward for Ratboys, expanding on their sonic palette of lo-fi rock, dream-pop and folk with a mixture of impeccable melodies, nuanced songwriting, and unabashed heart-on-your-sleeve energy. The first few tracks on the album signal a bolder and more propulsive vibe, with fuzzy instrumentals and uptempo rhythms buoying catchy choruses and Steiner’s irresistible voice. “My Hands Grow” turns into an anthemic, shimmering swirl of folky acoustic guitars, shoegaze textures and introverted lyricism. The tempo slows on the sparse, wondrous folk ballad “A Vision” before gently snowballing into a cascade of slide guitars and softly pulsating percussion.
Meanwhile, previously-released singles “Anj” and “I Go Out At Night” are even more dazzling within the context of the whole album. The former apes ’90s garage-rock and pop-punk vibes, while the latter forms the record’s emotional center with its blend of dreamy, reverb-soaked power chords and nostalgic child-like wonder. And then you have the cool-as-ice title track, a simmering and pensive noise-rock cut that sends the album off on a triumphant note.
Today MTV has the exclusive premiere of Printer’s Devil ahead of its Friday release (pre-order HERE). You can stream the album in full HERE, and watch the video for “I Go Out At Night” (which popped up on our Highlight Reel playlist) below. Also, Ratboys are set to embark on a US tour with Impose dream-pop fave Ellis. You can also view those dates below.
TOUR DATES (W/ ELLIS)
03/24 Manitou Springs, CO @ Lulu’s Downstairs
03/26 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
03/29 Seattle, WA @ Barboza
03/30 Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
04/02 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of The Hill
04/03 Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
04/04 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
04/05 San Diego, CA @ Che Cafe
04/07 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
04/09 Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
04/11 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
