Single Review: Rats

The On Tick trio are back with the next single, Rats, from their forthcoming album, Nothing New, which will be out later in November. I don’t know how many times I have seen guitarist/singer Aidan, his brother Brendan (drums) and 5-string bassist Matt play over the last 12 months, but it has been a few, and each and every time it is a blast. What they produce is hardcore punk, packed full or energy and angst, designed to get everyone in the room nice and sweaty, and bouncing up and down. This is a song I know well, as it is a staple of the live shows, so I was somewhat concerned as to how it would transfer to the studio: could they get that aggression and power I know so well?

Brendan kicks us off with some cowbell, just to ensure are paying attention, and then it is off into the rather strange riff which has a minor element to it, with the guitar, drums and bass totally locked in together. It makes for a solid wall of sound, yet everything is still clear and defined, and then over the top we get Aidan at his most abrasive, singing/shouting the lyrics. This is packed of angst, in your face aggression, with plenty of posturing. When they throw in some staccato riffs they are incredibly tight, and even though the bottom end is very heavy indeed, the drums and cymbals are still very clear indeed. Here we have a band who have developed their style on the stage, and with Matt at the controls they have now moved that into the studio and have come out the other side. Hard hitting and in your face, this is as close to the live band you are going to get without actually being there.

The album is out soon and based on the singles that have been released from it so far, it is going to be a real treat for these locked down ears.