Ratboys

Formed in Chicago in the early 2010s, Ratboys is built around singer-guitarist Julia Steiner and guitarist Dave Sagan, a core that has steered the band from intimate, guitar-led folk toward a more assertive indie rock. Over time they’ve threaded emo edges, power-pop spark and a touch of alt-country into songs that keep melody at the center. AOID (2015) and GN (2017) mapped that shift, Printer’s Devil (2020) tightened the focus, and The Window (2023) captured the momentum of years spent on the road.

On 29 May 2026 at YES (Pink Room) in Manchester, Ratboys bring that evolution on stage: Steiner’s clear voice up front, guitars moving from bright jangle to a thicker crunch, and a rhythm section that drives without crowding. The set balances slow-burn ballads and more charged tracks, circling themes of travel, everyday ties and small changes in perspective. Drawn from The Window and earlier records, the material leans on tight arrangements and clean hooks, with the live setup highlighting the band’s interplay and the contrast between energy and gentle melancholy.