EP REVIEW: The Ratskins - Work, Die, Repeat
Punk Rock and Roll band, The Ratskins, from South Sweden are making a roaring entrance to the music scene with their upcoming 4-track EP ‘Work, Die, Repeat’
The Two man ‘disaster’ piece consists of Michael J Ratskin on Drums & support vocals and Nas Ratskin on Vocals, Guitars and Bass. The sound of The Ratskins is very classic raucous punk with a hint of heavy country for good measure.
The First track of the EP, Happy In Stereo, has made an electric debut single across platforms, composed of furious upbeat rhythms, earthquake bass and insane guitar solo work. A very catchy song describing the joys of one's own music that can really switch up your mood.
Next up, Lockdown, about a clear disdain for the system we all live in, working hard everyday and before you know it your life is diminished. Opening with that high energy, the solo opening I can really hear that country twang to it however still holding the rumble and thunder of punk.
The third track, Line Them Up, a very messy bluesy number, its bad karma creeping up for the rich and privileged that have never had to work as hard as our noble working classes. Still catchy and chaotic as ever.
The last track really lays out the politics so clearly on the table with ‘Greedy Bastards’ this track takes an acoustic approach but nonetheless upbeat and catchy as the rest, covering up the looming doom of life and implementing hope of change.
What I love about this EP is that The Ratskins are speaking their truth through rebellious and angry, resentful lyrics accompanied with both furious, sometimes sarcastic yet lighthearted rhythms and also shed light on personal enjoyment of music. It has everything from the harsh rasps of vocals to wrathful guitar solos, thunderous active bass lines and drums as well as heartwarming country-blues-esque influences, the short snappy tracks leave you wanting more each time. All tracks truly do reflect the title of the EP in nature. An independent masterpiece indeed.
