Ratboys at the Sinclair, Cambridge, Ma., February 28
Ratboys have always existed in the fertile in-between space where indie rock meets country storytelling, but in recent years they’ve fully emerged as one of Americana’s most compelling young voices. The Chicago quartet—singer and guitarist Julia Steiner alongside guitarist Dave Sagan, bassist Sean Neumann, and drummer Marcus Nuccio—bring together emotional intimacy and guitar-driven urgency in a way that is rooted in Americana tradition while remaining unmistakably modern. This touring edition adds Andy Krull on pedal steel and electric guitar, lending depth on some songs and additional muscle when needed on others. They featured their impressive catalog at the Sinclair in Cambridge to a packed room on a cold Saturday night.
Steiner’s voice is slightly fragile but resilient, even when surrounded by chiming electric guitars and indie-rock dynamics. Ratboys’ music has often been described as “post-country” or alt-country, reflecting the band’s ability to blend country textures—twangy guitar lines, pedal steel accents, and roots-rock rhythms—with indie rock energy.
Their newest album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, released in February, adds to their impressive body of work. Written in part during a period of emotional reflection for Steiner, the record explores estrangement, healing, and reconciliation with remarkable candor. The songs feel lived-in and personal, with arrangements that move fluidly between quiet folk introspection and sweeping, roots-rock catharsis. Tracks like “Penny in the Lake” lean into country warmth, while others expand into expansive indie-rock terrain without losing their rustic center.
The centerpieces of their performance Saturday were Steiner’s most personal songs. “The Window”, from the same titled album, recounts the Covid era forced distancing of her grandparents as life passed, and “Just Want You to Know the Truth,” a message to an estranged family member. Each song builds to a driving beat and Sagan’s guitar work makes them soar. The audience grew noticeably still in appreciation.
The rhythm section proved essential to the show’s momentum. Nuccio’s drums were crisp yet supple, allowing quieter songs to breathe and louder numbers to surge without tipping into chaos. Neumann’s bass lines provided a warm undercurrent, holding the arrangements together even as guitars rang out expansively overhead. His harmony vocals added volume, supporting Steiner’s.
By the encore, Ratboys had transformed the venue into a space defined by attentiveness and warmth. They didn’t rely on spectacle or grand gestures; instead, they trusted their songs. That trust paid off. https://www.ratboysband.com
Florry, the Philadelphia bred, now Burlington Vermont based band opened the night with a rollicking set of originals. Their lineup, led by lead singer Francie Medosch and featuring a full arsenal of guitar, pedal steel and violin got the evening off to a great start, engaging the crowd who clearly were excited to see them. Watch for this group to continue their rise, they were a great compliment to Ratboys main event. https://florrytour.com
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Ratboys “Singin’ to an Empty Chair” and here: REVIEW: Florry “Sounds Like….”
Setlist:
1. Open Up
2. Anywhere
3. Penny in the Lake
4. Know You Then
5. Morning Zoo
6. Anj
7. Strange Love
8. Light Night Mountains All That
9. Victorian Slumhouse
10. The World, So Madly
11. The Window
12. I Go Out At Night
13. Just Want You to Know the Truth
14. What’s Right?
15. Burn It Down
Encore:
16. Go Outside
17. Black Earth, WI