The Sheffield Scenester

After reviewing their single ‘Fearful Lullaby’, I found that their music had taken a slightly more mature approach, with this new direction in mind I was curious as to one thing, can they keep this momentum going? As their prize for the Star’s Limelight competition, they were given the chance to record at the Steelworks Studios with producer Eliot Kennedy. From this session they have two new recordings; the first of which is the poetically titled ‘Murder From A Broken Heart’.
From the very opening chords this sounds like a real song, full of guitar swamped power, this is what I’d hoped for in so far as they have truly dropped teenage anguish and their trademark light fingered approach in favour of a deeper, fully rounded sound. Whether this is due in part to working with Eliot, or possibly due to the influence of their replacement guitarist Sam, whatever the reason this new direction is a marked improvement which all being well their fans should take on board. Vocalist Ash Holland sounds like he actually has something personnel and serious to say for himself, with lines like; “It’s a table for one cos you just wouldn’t stop!”, their understanding of mature emotions is beginning to shine through.

The second track ‘Something More’ is even more astounding in concept, playing as it does with a running time of nearly five and a half minutes. It opens with a simple guitar riff before Ash cuts in with some acutely heartfelt lyrics, as if to add another dimension to the song he really pushes his vocal chords to the limit during this. What is even more incredible is the fact that this lasts for well over a minute before the rest of the band are even given a look in. This is the sort of song writing that easily takes them to the next level or to put it bluntly separates the men from the boys, for these guys have certainly grown up. Not once during this heart wrenching epic do you ever loose interest, utilizing the ‘Bolero Effect’ of a long slow build up into a rousing finale, this will undoubtedly make for a great live track.
With this in mind The Ratells can only go from strength to strength opening themselves up to a wider audience as well as keeping their loyal army of fans happy as they grow up with them.

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You can also see The Ratells (as well as many more bands) on 17th April at Sheffield's biggest unsigned act gig @ The 02 Academy (Main stage) presented by Soundclash - Called S1