Ratboys - Singin’ to an Empty Chair (2026)
I like this record more for what it’s trying to do than for how often I feel pulled back to it. Singin’ to an Empty Chair has emotional intelligence and patience, and I respect the decision to let songs stretch and wander instead of forcing tidy indie-rock payoffs. At the same time, that looseness is exactly what keeps it from fully landing for me. The writing is thoughtful and sincere, but the album rarely sharpens those feelings into moments that really stick. It’s solid, well-made, and honest — just a bit too comfortable in its own tone to demand repeat listens.
Pros
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Sincere, emotionally literate songwriting – Nothing feels fake or overplayed; the lyrics come from a real place.
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Willingness to let songs breathe – Longer forms and restraint give the album a reflective, unforced feel.
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Consistent mood – The record holds together tonally without obvious missteps or filler disasters.
Cons
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Limited peaks – Few tracks truly rise above the album’s baseline and demand attention.
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Meandering structures – Some songs drift without earning their length.
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Low urgency – Pleasant and thoughtful, but rarely gripping or necessary.
Genre: Alt Country
Country: US
Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 20th / 118
Highlight: Just Want You to Know the Truth
Made me think of:
Big Thief
Car Seat Headrest
Waxahatchee
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#AltCountry #Ratboys #US
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