Ratboys : "the Window"

 

There is a fair amount of noise around the raw edges of otherwise slicked pop bounce with a country twang to it thanks to the youthful voice of Julia Steiner, whose voice sometimes reminds me of Katie Crutchfield of Waxahachie. Chris Walla from Dead Can for Cuie produced this album, and this can mainly be felt in the dynamics of making the bigger parts rock more. The style of songwriting flows very easily and organically. There is more of a rock shuffle to "Crossed That Line" thanks to the drums. This side of the band may not play to their strengths. The wide collection of jangling guitar tones they play with does not have the same heart. 

"It's Alive" flows much more effectively and plays to Steiner's strengths as a singer. . Going into this album I am well aware of the critical buzz it received. It is interesting to hear how that may or may not have been pandered to when delivering these songs. This band has been around for a decade, but they have to be aware of their trajectory as Chris Walla is a busy dude and not going to work with just anyone. "No Way" is breezy with the occasional chord progression that reminds me of the Beatles cropping up here and there. Their easy style of songwriting is hard to argue against.  The title track adheres to what they have promised thus far on this album. 

"Empty" is more exuberant and feels like it is a lost track that wandered off the airwaves of 90s radio. There is more folk feel to "Break" which does layer on single-note electric guitar solos. They jam this song out a bit, which gives things more of a wandering feel, than the taunt pop-minded songwriting we have heard earlier in the record. This jamming continues over into "Black Earth WI" which is even more rambling and feels like an indie rock version of the Allman Brothers. The musicianship outshines the songwriting here.  At almost nine minutes, the guitar solo winds on and on. 

"I Want You" wanders back into the more quaint pop shuffle of their sunnier side. "Bad Reaction" is a more honest and raw emotional outpouring, It might not be the best song, but it has the most authentic lyrics, that balance introspection with storytelling charm. Walla's production bells and whistles slowly creep into the song. I will give this album a 9, they have continued to refine what they do for a larger audience and I think this album will continue to gain traction into the new year.