ratsmagic - ratsmagic ep

Ratsmagic

Ratsmagic EP
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

Based in Auckland, New Zealand Ratsmagic is a group of dynamic musicians, who started jamming together in March of 2012. Their music is a fusion of blues, funk and rock executed so that it clearly displays that all the members in the band are not only creative but also technically very accomplished. Their self-entitled debut EP is an eclectic blend of music that mixes jam-band type tendencies that would surely make a fun live show.

The first two tracks (“Over My Head” and “Sticks and Stones”) exhibit groovy blues-rock riffs with undertones of funk. “Over my Head” starts with some metronome-like drumming with a wild, frantic harmonica until the funky, yes very funky bass kicks in.Vocal duties are shared on this song and they play off the male and female vocals, collaborating effectively on certain parts and choosing to go solo other times. The remaining three tracks “Ready to Shine” “Studio Girl” and “Viking Kong” are a little bit  darker and don’t have the jam-band type vibe as the previous songs. “Ready to Shine” is a great track with Joplin-esque vocals and contains some really incredible lead guitar but the highlight for me was “Studio Girl.” I can imagine that this album sounds incredibly similar to how Ratsmagic might sound live. This is an impressive debut EP that showcases Ratsmagic’s ability to tap into a variety of different styles that should appeal to a wide audience.

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