The Window

Lingua disponibile: inglese

The opening chords of The Window cruise straight past old Ratboys releases into new territory with a feet-on-the-dashboard insouciance. Earmarking a move toward psych-indie and power-chorded rock isn't exactly new for longtime fans, but this is a polished version of what felt rough and experimental at times on previous efforts. That polish—at least somewhat provided by former Death Cab For Cutie guitarist Chris Walla's production—is new even if the songwriting ability has always been there.

The Window arrives at an expected point: the songwriting in the Ratboys catalog needed no ripening. Their live sound hinted at psych-driven indie more than their assigned "Americana/Folk Rock" designations. Whatever link found between live jamming and recorded product is welcome. Whether culling Cymbals Eat Guitars' penchant for loud, swirling choruses on "Making Noise for the Ones You Love" and "Break" or Spoon's loveable hooks on "Crossed That Line" or forging into the wild psychedelic-shoegaze build of "Black Earth, WI," the band's "new" heights no longer beckon for promise. They pinpoint a moment where we should be catapulting Ratboys to the heights of rock's best bands. "It's Alive!" proves that; it's a perfect jam. Ditto "No Way".

As always, Julia Steiner's vocals are a wonderful highlight. A mix of world-wearied understanding and appreciation for her surroundings, no matter the circumstances, she's centered beautifully amidst newfound loudness. She carries "Black Earth, WI" from airy folk rock to noisy jam session until the band rides together into blissful unknown. "The Window" and "Morning Zoo" could easily have found a home in '90s radio rock alongside Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls or even Sheryl Crow but her off-kilter delivery feels fresh alongside contemporaries like Wednesday.

Closer "Bad Reaction" eases us out. Steiner croons "What's the one thing you love now?" over acoustic guitar and an ambient noise bed—a Walla specialty in and out of DCFC. Swirls of violin and electric guitar swoop in as a vocal-less chorus remind the listener that Ratboys know when to belt and when to let a song ride. It would be so tempting to hook the song to death—something they do expertly in aforementioned rockers—but this gentle jam needs little flourish.

Perhaps that's the best part of watching Ratboys mature—they were always good at leading us and knowing when to stay out of the way. Peering through The Window allows us to see Ratboys' zenith with a plethora of sounds at their command. Here's hoping the crest continues to rise. © Jeff Laughlin/Qobuz