I first reviewed Rat Attack in November 2007 and it was obvious, despite the rough production, they were going to be a great band. ‘This Is Art’ is the proof – this is superb. There’s always been a Gallows/Comeback Kid-esque feel to the band and this has been ramped up on this EP. My major complaint on the demo was the fact it sounded way too scuzzy and rough. A quick trip to John Mitchell at The Outhouse Studios in Reading (responsible for Your Demise, Enter Shikari, Architects etc) has straightened them out rather nicely. Now Rat Attack sound refined and fucking angry. And the result is rather lovely. The guitars during ‘The Southern Lights‘ spit venom, while the vocals are aggressive and emotional throughout. They’re believable – too many bands try and spit fury and fail to come across as honest as they should. Not this band.
I’ve got a feeling we’ll be hearing quite a lot more about Rat Attack in 2010.