Featuring multi-instrumentalist/programmer Evan Mast, also known as DJ E*Vax and guitarist Mike Stroud; Ratatat is part-electronic guitar duo, part-sythn rock outfit and part- garage rock band. Molding cryptic beats with hypnotic and trashing guitar riffs, Ratatat is as engaging to hear, as it is to say their tongue tickling name.
With the recent underground success of their self-titled album and the sure-fire tune “Seventeen Years,” Stroud and Mast have been turning heads. Stroud, who has toured with Dashboard Confessional and Ben Kweller, clearly knows his away around a fretboard, while Mast knows sampling like Devo knows new wave – frantic and inventive.
“Can I have more beats and bass please,” asked a clearly intoxicated Stroud as he took the stage. Upon the slurred man’s request, the beats soon followed, and Stroud paid his gratitude to Mast by laying down layers of herky-jerky riffs in Neil Young/Crazy Horse fashion. As the screen flashed the Ratatat logo, the lights would strobe about and the crowd continuously roared in approval. The display was half-cheesy, but give points to Ratatat for acknowledging that multi-media is an important element in their extravagant musical presentation.
Unlike their album, which hones true studio experimentation and shoulders the heart of today’s rock evolution, Ratatat’s live performance was a short tease into what could have been. The duo rarely seemed to play off each other’s offerings, instead there appeared to be an invisible wall holding Stroud and Mast back from any live spontaneity. A high powered version of “Seventeen Years” and “Noose” carried much of the evening's weight.
With their flair for electronics, low end bass and climatic riffs, Ratatat might do well for themselves by learning to stretch things out a bit. After the appetizing forty-five minute set, there was clearly room left for a main course at Higher Ground.
