by Roy Scopazzi
Ratboys inhabit the same kind of vibe that has been going around with acts like Wednesday where it’s a mix between country and indie rock. There’s a definite twang but if I recommended it to a pure country fan I feel they would scoff at it. It fit the August Hall which is it’s own kind of hybrid of a typical indie rock venue and something older and classic. There’s an authenticity to their sound that lent itself a warmth to the whole experience as they played through most of their latest album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair. The lighting matched the album cover artwork in the background as a mix of greens, yellows and blues filled out the rest of the stage and floor.
The only thing that broke this up was a member of CSO Oakland being invited to speak out against ICE and deportations, and especially the detention of Guillermo Reyes. I’ve seen many artists speak out against these injustices but to see them bring someone local to speak was a level I haven’t seen too often and it was a welcome surprise.
Villagerrr (yes with three rs) opened the show up with their own brand of fuzzed out rock which set a wonderful vibe for the whole night. I listened to them the night before and it was great to learn about them from this show.
