Man, whose bright idea was it to release a new Ratboys album in the dead of winter? Just look at that album cover — peaking into sunlight with a picturesque view of two empty chairs in the middle of a green, grassy field. Those are the kind of vibes which demand being received into a world once the days start getting longer, the birds are singing, and the buds are sprouting all over the tree branches during springtime. Thankfully, the Chicago rockers possess a seasonal-transcending sound that continues to refine its pen throughout their sixth studio album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair.

For all of the talk of this being the LP that “finally” presents them their flowers after a steady output a decade and a half into their career as a band, that’s not quite true. It already happened with 2023’s The Window — but it’s confirmed once again here without the heavy cloud of a post-pandemic timeline looming over it, as Singin’ to an Empty Chair sounds like the one where we’re hearing vocalist and guitarist Julia Steiner, lead guitarist Dave Sagan, bassist Sean Neumann, and drummer and synthesist Marcus Nuccio sitting with their thoughts without much distraction.

They — alongside form-fitting returning recording collaborator Chris Walla — in turn fill that space with ample flourishes where their post-country spin on indie rock is dynamic against its background. Sunny power-pop (“Anywhere”, “What’s Right”), hazy dazed ballads (“Strange Love”, “Just Want You to Know the Truth”), and rustically casual jams (“Penny In the Lake”, “The World, So Madly”) all allow you to process deep feelings, at your own cozy comfort. These are some big swing songs at that, too, powered by Steiner’s changing emotional wind. Maybe this album wasn’t made for winter, but with fresh air festival season in bloom, anticipate the weather to be ideal for a Rat Summer.

Highlights: “What’s Right”, “Just want You to Know the Truth”, “The World, So Madly”

Ratboys’ Singin’ to An Empty Chair is available now on New West Records.

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