Ratboys – ‘Singin’ to an Empty Chair’ album review: Introspective and extravagant
Introspective sounds abound on Singin’ to an Empty Chair, Ratboys’ most emotionally charged and diverse record to date.
The Skinny: Right, to kick things off, what do I mean when I say diverse? Well, the journey that some of these songs take on you has an odyssey equivalent, only contained within the pages of novels. When a song sounds like the kind of thing you could tell someone you love them to, but then also provides a backdrop for line dancing and mosh pitting, it’s either going to be horrendous or genius. With Ratboys, I’m pleased to announce we’re dealing with the latter.
Let’s not be mistaken, the overarching style of music on show here is indie folk; however, it’s like someone has taken a standard song within that sound, wrapped it head to toe in double-sided tape, and dragged it through the playlist of an eclectic.
From the very first song, ‘Open Up’, it becomes clear that this is a band who aren’t afraid to play around with convention. After checking my phone three times while it was playing to make sure I was still listening to the same song, it became apparent that this is a record which requires due care and attention when listening.
While the various influences on display throughout Singin’ to an Empty Chair are apparent, they’re also not jarring. You have drums that would be better suited to classic rock records, melody which is pop-centric, and background effects which border on ambient, but they come together to complement the sound at the heart of the record rather than scream over it.
As well as this exciting mix of sonic influence, the LP is one of the band’s most emotional to date. Reaching out to loved ones now estranged sits at the heart of the narrative, and the band are forced to turn the spotlight on themselves as they become more introspective than ever throughout this 11-track rekindling.
Ratboys show no sign of complacency with this album, as Singin’ to an Empty Chair challenges the very core of the group and manages to come out on top.
The Verdict: A blend of genres held together by a sweet and serene indie folk glue on what is one of Ratboys’ most emotional albums to date.
Defining Track: ‘Light Night Mountains All That’
Release Date: February 6th, 2026 | Producer(s): Ratboys & Chris Walla | Label: New West Records
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