After album number three comes album number four. That’s logical, as long as the band hasn’t disbanded and is still creative.
RAT BOY released their third album “Suburbia Calling” on September 30, 2024, which I reviewed on ramtatta.de. The link to the review is as follows:
https://ramtatta.de/reviews/10294/rat-boy-suburbia-calling
On June 26, 2026, the fourth album of the band from Chelmsford (about 45 KM northeast of London) was released.
It was again released on Hellcat Records (the label of Tim Armstrong, among others Rancid), which shows that Mr. Armstrong has a knack for talented bands and certainly has good taste in music. Of course, one shouldn’t say that everything on a well-known label is good. Sure, it opens doors, but you also have to walk through and be likable to those present in the room. That’s exactly what RAT BOY are. When I first saw them with Buster Shuffle on April 12, 2025, at Festsaal Kreuzberg, I was thrilled. They seemed a bit like the little brother of Buster Shuffle, yet confident and with their own mind.
The sound of RAT BOY on “Crash” is based heavily on ’77 punk rock, but without the frenzy. Instead, there are more melodies and a garage sound driven forward by a drum. Punk rock, pop, garage, indie, these are roughly the four ingredients from which RAT BOY creates their very own sound. Added to that is a charismatic vocal, and the sound is complete, which sometimes even reminds one of The Clash, as in “The River”.
Compared to “Suburbia Calling”, “Crash” pushes more forward. The ska influences are almost completely absent. There is only one of the 18 (!) songs that is 03:00 minutes long.
All other songs are shorter. The band commendably avoids endless repetitions of choruses, instead playing the songs straightforwardly.
This is likable, fresh, and full of energy.
No need for Tim Armstrong to open doors. The band breaks down the doors and shows what they can do.
RAT BOY have developed further in a short time. They sound as if they have found their style. The album with its 18 songs sounds well-rounded and is a lot of fun to listen to. I assume that they will excite the audience even more live than they have in the past.
RAT BOY are no longer the little brother of Buster Shuffle (if they ever were). They are a band with character and energy.
