There’s a lot to love about the direction Ratboys took on Singin’ To An Empty Chair, the Chicago-based indie pop band’s sixth studio album. While the title of the record and artwork seem to imply that there’s an element missing, instead it is the beginning of an important dialogue with a close loved one lead vocalist Julia Steiner finds herself estranged from. Singin’ to an Empty Chair also marks the first Ratboys album written since Steiner began therapy, which the singer/lyricist credits for the clarity found in the lyrical material that is a vivid investigation of self-reflection and the importance of healthy relationships. While some of these conversations had within Singin’ To An Empty Chair may feel difficult, messy, or at times even bleak, Ratboys take it all in stride and leave signs of hope and clarity in the end. “It’s not all doom and gloom,” Steiner says. “The experience of making this record definitely gives me hope for whatever happens next.” By putting her full self into this album, Steiner and her bandmates live up to the hype surrounding this band that continues to get better on each release. If The Window was Ratboys telling the world, “We’ve arrived,” Singin’ To An Empty Chair emphatically states, “We’re here to stay.” I promise it will be worth the visit, and this wonderful record exceeded all of my expectations.
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