On The Radar: RATS

Liverpool indie outfit RATS, have dropped their second single recently. Already with a decent support behind them, ‘Figure It Out’ has got them flashing up on the radar at JACKS.

RATS have been working in Decoy Studios, where the likes of Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and the Maccabees have recorded. Now they’re out and gearing up to hit the road, with new music to show off.

The Liverpool lads released their debut single ‘Weekend’, last year and haven’t looked back since. Their debut racked up over 180,000 plays on Spotify in under two months and then found themselves performing at last summer’s Kendall Calling.

Laying out the antics of a typical weekend and the drama that can unfold, mixed with a dreamy guitar line and catchy beat, it’s one that sticks with you.

“…Cos when he’s broken and bleedin’, he speaks without speaking, he says he’ll fight to defeat them… and then takes it to the streets end until he’s broken and bleedin’… I’d speak but I’m speechless, it happens every weekend, happens every weekend…”.

The rousing chorus echoes out “we like to play, don’t you know?” and capitulates in hair-raising fashion. It’s a fair take on a weekend bender we’ve all been wrapped up in at least once or twice.

Now they’re back with their latest single, ‘Figure It Out’. Frontman Joe Maddocks, doesn’t hold back as he reflects and scratches his head as he tries to “figure it out” with what’s gone wrong.

He implores that he’s just trying to figure things out and torturing himself. “While she’s been out all night, sipping on her white wine… I’m besotted in mine, tryna realise why we won’t see eye to eye, I’m just trying to figure it out…”.

Filled with insecurities and angst, the guitars and sweeping beat will carry you through. While Maddocks opens up and shows a more vulnerable side, the music will keep you upbeat.

A realistic take on the mindset of young adults in RATS’ lyrics, it’s a breath of fresh air. Something that has been missing since the first two albums from Arctic Monkeys.

RATS hit the road in March, with a headline show for This Feeling in Liverpool’s Jacaranda Records Phase One. Supporting them will be The Boston Shakers and The Novus on Saturday 16th March.