Album Spotlight for 3/2/15

Album+Spotlight+for+3%2F2%2F15

Ratboys – “AOID” (Topshelf Records)

“I always wondered about how my life will turn out,” singer/guitarist Julia Steiner sings on “Charles Bernstein,” a nod to twentysomethings everywhere who are unsure of what their future holds.

On their debut album, Ratboys from Chicago, Illinois channels that youthful uncertainty into an extremely hummable sound somewhere between mellow indie rock, folk and country. “AOID” was released in 2015 on Topshelf Records but is just now being serviced to college radio. Since that time, Ratboys have toured in support of the album which included a stop at a punk rock house show in Flint, MI this past summer.

Gorgeous melodies from singer/guitarist Julia Steiner are as breezy as a warm Saturday drive with the windows rolled down. Steiner’s infectious voice and fragile hooks will get stuck in your head, consider yourself warned.

Start with: “MCMXIV,” “Charles Berstein,” and “Folk Song For Jazz.”

Recommended if you like: Hop Along, Julien Baker, Wye Oak.