Save & Share |
|
|
|
|
| Share on Facebook | |
Don’t Stutter. It’s Ratatat
Revolution Live, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
April 12, 2009
Review by Gabriel Ferrer
Photos by Steve Vaynshtok
Ratatat sounds more like gunshots than a band, but maybe that’s because they came out firing. Ratatat exploded onto the scene in 2004 and have continually released music ever since, with their latest album, LP3, dropping last November. The New York guitar duo of Evan Mast and Mike Stroud electrified the small stage at Revolution on April 12. They used their charisma and stage presence to fill in the instrumental songs they played throughout the night.
Their musical style was as unique as the crowd in attendance; one girl accused me of being an ‘evil humanoid.’
Ratatat guitarist, Mike Stroud
After a gripping opening act by Queen’s underground rapper Despot, Ratatat opened up with their latest single "Shiller" to get the crowd hyped. Because Revolution is an intimate venue, every person got a chance to see Ratatat up close regardless of where they were—which always makes for a more enjoyable show. As the show progressed, I was extremely impressed with the accuracy of their sound in concert as it was on the album. Actually, it was hard for me to notice any difference, which is the ultimate compliment to any artist. Ratatat showed that their music isn’t a manifestation of post-production, but actually something they are in complete control of.
Their musical style was as unique as the crowd in attendance; one girl accused me of being an ‘evil humanoid.’ Despite the false accusation, I was able to enjoy the synergy of two individuals capable of creating a sound equal to that of a full band. I was very curious to see how only two guitarists could create such eclectic music. Ratatat’s blend of guitar, bass, and synthesizers kept all us ‘humanoids’ in a hypnotic state throughout the 80-minute set.
Ratatat takes the stage
The elaborate light show and projector in the back aided the band visually, especially when they came back and played crowd favorites such as "Wildcat" and "Loud Pipes" during the encore. Yes, they were so good that the crowd asked them to come back. I would venture to say that a Ratatat show is as close as you can get to a modern-age psychedelic experience.
I’ve heard Ratatat before and thought of them as more of soundtrack music. In fact, many commercials and movies have used their music before in the background. I was skeptical if they could actually move into a more dominant role instead of lurking in the shadows. My skepticism rose from their choice to make music that is only instrumental. I always thought that they should add lyrics, but after hearing them live I can honestly say that some things are better left unsaid.
Were you there? Twitter Us
Tessel
Despot
Evan Mast, synthesizer, and Mike Stroud, guitarist of Ratatat
Mike Stroud of Ratatat with Despot
Evan Mast and Mike Stroud of Ratatat with Despot