Ratatat- LP4

Ratatat’s music has always been easily identifiable—debuting six years ago with a unique take on electronic rock. On the simply titled LP4, however, their once-fresh style is beginning to sound like a band on autopilot. While the band’s blend of dance-infused house and heavily synthesized rock shows hints of new life, one has to wonder how long the same basic formula can last.

For most of the album, Ratatat’s recognizable synthesized guitar parts are present, floating above busy basslines and highly syncopated percussion. It’s a bit ironic that Ratatat’s unique sound has lost some of its identity after four LPs of the same premise; much of the album sounds like a languid retread of their previous three.

Tracks that deviate from the band’s norm are the album’s highlights. The driving force behind “Neckbrace” is underscored by a Ratatat rarity: a vocal line, though it’s simply digitized beatboxing. Pounding percussion is offset by an equally rare acoustic instrumental in “Bob Gandhi,” and the band experiments further with an orchestral backing track. The highlight of the album is the chaotic “Bare Feast,” with its Middle Eastern influence and high energy.

Though Ratatat still has the creativity to synthesize new sounds and ideas, most of the album is merely par for the course. The soaring guitar lines appear to be lifted directly from their previous albums, and the backing electronics are uninspired, lacking much of their once-unique sound. Given the opportunity to start fresh, it’s a pity that Ratatat used LP4 to hold onto the past, resulting in an unbalanced record that leaves us wanting something different.