Show - Art

Monday 09.05.2022

Catch Ratboys at Rotondes

Ratboys Manda Specht

Ratboys Manda Specht

Chicago’s Ratboys belatedly celebrate their 10th anniversary with a tour in support of an album of new recordings of early songs and rarities.

Pitchfork’s review of the Ratboys’ 10th anniversary album Happy Birthday, Ratboy begins with a sort of eulogy of what could have been for the Chicago band. In late February 2020 with the release of Printer’s Devil the band were about to embark on their first headline tour when the covid pandemic struck.

Undaunted, the band – first formed by songwriters Julia Steiner and Dave Sagan – has produced an album of new recordings from its 2011 debut EP as well as some rarities from their early days.

The result, Happy Birthday, Ratboy, according to Pitchfork, contrasts cozy nostalgia with hard-rocking instincts. “The songs have a glowing warmth even when the guitars roar and Steiner’s vocals border on a piercing shriek,” writes Pete Tosiello.

Support comes from local singer-songwriter Hannah Ida.

Tickets are available .