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Why We’re Reviewing is a series in which we ask one of our reviewers why they plan on checking out an upcoming show.
Below, we asked editor in chief Nathan Caddell to put in his own words why he circled Ratboys’ performance on his calendar:
The first and only time that Ratboys has come to Vancouver (to my knowledge, anyway) was two years ago, to support the Chicago band’s fifth album, The Window. The band played the Queen Elizabeth Theatre as an opening act for the Decemberists.
Two years later, and coming off a critically acclaimed sixth album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, Ratboys is playing the much smaller Biltmore Cabaret as the headliner.
Yes, it’s a headline show, and that’s obviously drastically different than an opening spot. But still. I imagine the Biltmore will be absolutely hopping in anticipation for a band that has been an indie darling for some time.
Ratboys pulled me in with The Window, which ran the gamut from hard-charging rock and rollers like “Crossed That Line” and “It’s Alive!” to slower, heartfelt tunes like the titular “The Window”.
Singin’ to an Empty Chair is a slight departure from some of the noisiness of The Window, as it feels more aligned with the folk-tinged guitar and melodies of Waxahatchee. It works well, especially on songs where it builds, like aptly named opener “Open Up”.
But yes, I’d love to see them roll through some of The Window and bang stuff around at the Biltmore. And I’m sure they will.
Ratboys plays the Biltmore Cabaret on April 6. Tickets here.