New Ratt Reviewed – It’s Good! Like Old Ratt

With Better Drumming…
I’m sure you’re like me: When you hear about a new album coming from one of your favorite players or bands, you have this huge anticipation – but it’s mixed with a little trepidation. You can’t wait to hear it, but you’re a little worried that you’ll be disappointed.

You’re thinking that your heroes have aged so maybe they’re not as good, or as fired up, or maybe they’re just going through the motions trying to make a little cash. Of course, we’re forgetting that we’re older too and the memories we have of those golden teenage years are a little…exaggerated.

Sheesh…I’m turning into a dang philosopher. What I’m saying is that when I got a copy of the new Ratt album Infestation, I felt those mixed emotions. Because:

> I saw Ratt on the Out of the Cellar tour, opening for Krokus at some theater in Jersey – and just like every MTV band out of LA at that time, Ratt was awesome and completely blew away the headliners.

> Then I saw Ratt on the Invasion of Your Privacy tour – don’t even remember who opened. But I STILL get chills remembering Warren DeMartini playing the opening riff to “Lay It Down,” one of the best-ever hard rock riffs.

So bearing that in mind, I press play on Infestation – and I dig it. I play the album again – 2x, 3x, 4x, 8x. I still dig it. It’s Ratt!

No ballads. No crap. Warren can still play (big shoes to fill – his own!). The band is tight, and the songs sound like updated versions of ’80s Ratt. The guys might not like that last part, but I know Ratt fans will!

The guitar tone is, to my ears, JCM800-ish but not so ’80s over-the-top, if you know what I mean. Not that Warren’s (and Robbin’s) tone was ever bad, but there seems to be a bit more crunch and clarity on this record vs. some of the ’80s stuff. Carlos Cavazo, of course of post-Randy Quiet Riot, is the other guitar-slinger, and – without knowing how the album was recorded (who did what) – meshes well with the band.

Stephen Pearcy sounds the same, no small feat since he’s almost 30 years older than he was back in the day. Not least, Bobby Blotzer sounds like a better drummer – or maybe it’s just that his drums aren’t soaked in reverb like they used to be. But he does sound like he’s better, and it makes the songs sound better. Speaking of which…

A current shot of the guys.

Track-by-Track Listen

(The first two tracks on the album are the ones you’ve heard already.)

1. Eat Me Up Alive – Still think this sounds like an evil version of the “You’re in Love” riff. Fast-moving, good opener. First lead fill is at about 1:13 – very George Lynch-like to my ears, which always makes sense because George influenced Warren – assuming Warren played that fill! Solo rips. Clean and good.

2. Best of Me – This could’ve been on any heyday Ratt album. Classic Ratt ’80s LA major-key radio-friendly hard rock, and I mean that in the best way. I really dig this tune. Makes me want to sneak onto the golf course with some buddies, some beer and some JD! Solo sounds chorused out, restrained, fits. After the solo we get the bass and drums pounding on the 2 and 4 – ’80s!

3. A Little Too Much – This is one of those cool Ratt tunes where, if you listen, a lot of interesting stuff is going on with the guitars – the bridge riff with the whammy bar, the underlying chorus riff. Very cool. I am once again sitting here completely digging Warren’s flashy/bluesy/melodic/clean/tasty style. I can’t describe it in one word. Do I hear Warren switching to a neck pickup in the latter half of the lead?

4. Look Out Below – A heavy midtempo boogie-type tune, classic Ratt style. Any song that starts off with Warren shredding is good!

5. Last Call – Cool riff, faster tune. Cool break/bridge! I don’t know how to describe this tune, but it’s one of my favorites on the album.

6. Lost Weekend – “Lack of Commu-ni-cation, back off!” This tune starts of with a similar riff, same rhythm, same drop-D tuning. Rest of the tune is different, but every time you get to the chorus you’ll want to sing “Lack of….” Call me nuts, but the pre-solo break and the beginning of the solo sound like Lynch. Warren NAILS the solo. Wow. Great stuff.

7. As Good As It Gets – Nothing special art first, but then – am I hearing a Strat through a Uni-Vibe or Leslie in the verses? Again, gotta love this about Ratt tunes. They often fool people – always a little more going on than initially meets the ear.

8. Garden of Eden – Cool beginning – I’m hearing that Robin Trower-esque tone again here. Chorus riff reminds me of Lynch’s style (not a bad thing – maybe I’m looking for it?). Sounds like Warren is channeling a little Trower tone on the solo too.

9. Take a Big Bite – I feel like I’ve heard a tune like this before, but can’t place it…. Is it Crue-like? Harmony lead is good – like old Queensryche good, if you remember that. If we have that to look forward to from Warren and Carlos, very cool.

10. Take Me Home – Most different tune on the album. Softer, but not slower. Chorus is heavy. Tasty solo, starts on the neck pickup, good outro solo. Really dig this tune.

11. Don’t Let Go – Another classic Ratt-sounding tune. Solo starts off with a little slide, then it’s all melodic Warren. Good tune to close the album. I find myself missing classic Ratt. Where’s my iPod!

Bottom Line

Classic Ratt, all the way. If you are or were a fan, you won’t be disappointed – unless you’re waiting for another “Lay It Down” (“Unchained,” “No More Tears,” “War Pigs,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” etc.!) – though I do wish there was one signature song riff on the album, a la Way Cool Jr. or something. Blotzer said in an interview, “I definitely think it’s in the same ballpark as Out of the Cellar and Invasion – I’d put it in between those two records. This is a good thing.” I’d basically agree.

The album sounds like the guys are having fun. Does NOT sound tired at all.

Buy the album? Sure. Absolutely. Chump change for good music that you literally can’t get anywhere else, by any other band. I’m psyched Ratt is still making albums of classic Ratt quality. Don’t we wish we could say the same about more bands….

Coming next week: An interview with Warren! Stay tuned!

‘Lay It Down’ Live, 2009

Category: Warren DeMartini