Poking the bear, one eye at a time
Chicago’s Ratboys return with Singin’ to an Empty Chair, out now via New West Records, a reminder of why they’ve quietly become one of indie rock’s most dependable bands. Produced by Chris Walla, the album finds the group sharpening their emotional instincts rather than overextending them. Led by Julia Steiner, Ratboys continue to refine a voice that feels intimate without shrinking and expansive without posturing. The record leans into reflection and connection, tracing the emotional afterglow of everyday life rather than chasing the future. It’s a natural step forward — not a reinvention, but a deepening.
The video for Penny in the Lake”, directed by Bobby Butterscotch, mirrors that sensibility. There’s an ease to it, a sense of a band comfortable in its own skin and letting the song breathe. Nothing feels forced. Instead, Ratboys hold the frame with quiet confidence, allowing the track’s sentiment to carry the moment. It’s a small, glowing entry point into an album that doesn’t demand attention — it earns it.
Follow Ratboys on Instagram at @ratboysband | www.ratboysband.com
Photo by Miles Kalchik
