Album Review: Ratboys- GN

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Album Reviews, Music and tagged album release, album-review, areview, Chicago, Chicago music, GN, Mother Evergreen, New Music, Ratboys, record release, record release show, Scubas, Sincere Engineer, Special Death.

Ratboys’ sophomore album GN (which stands for ‘Good Night’) is the result of a sound instrumental rock band mastering the art of storytelling. Their 10-song compilation, which received an early release on June 27, 2017 from Topshelf Records, encompasses a special mix of personal anecdotes and memories from vocalist Julia Steiner and guitarist David Sagan.

The album begins with eerie vocals speaking over the light finger picking of a guitar, eventually leading to the opening lyrics of “Molly”. The story explores the relationship of two people, one possibly not feeling enough for the other. There are no repeating lyrical lines, yet the underlaying melody is catchily memorable.

Live Review: Laik/Red Jr/American Cosmonaut/The Dead On/Lost But Happy (2/3) @ Double Door

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Jessica Braun Gervais in Live Reviews, Music, Reviews and tagged American Cosmonaut, Chicago, Chicago music, double door, Laik, listen live and local, live music, local bands, local music, Lost But Happy, lreview, New Music, record release show, Red Jr, rock, rock and roll, The Dead On.

Like any great Americanized genre, there is no right way to rock. Thanks to its variety of styles, rock music has grown to include elements of punk, folk, metal, pop and so much more. On Friday, February 3, five local bands came together at Double Door and treated audiences to a few of the many different facets of the legendary sound.

The night started with a bit of twangy grunge brought to listeners by the obsolete sounds of Lost But Happy. While they definitely get an A for energy and a strong instrumental presence, the vocal harmonies were a bit shaky. Their set did end on a high note with the tune “Lost But Happy”; a theme song complete with catchy kazoo lines and a bit of banjo (because you really can’t go wrong with a kazoo and banjo).