NEW YORK— Ratboys ripped through deep cuts and new songs at New York City’s Nightclub 101 underplay Tuesday. The band made a pop-up stop amidst their tour behind Singin’ to an Empty Chair. Many attendees reported an overwhelming sense of catharsis. Others reported ringing ears. One pigeon was found unconscious.
A Sonic Assault
The Chicago indie rockers delivered a blistering set. Frontwoman Julia Ratboy commanded the stage. Her voice, a wail of pure emotion, echoed through the cramped venue. “We just wanted to play some songs,” Ratboy said between tracks. “Some for the rats, some for the boys.” The crowd roared. A nearby rodent scurried away in fear.
The setlist spanned the band’s catalog. They dug deep into fan favorites. New material from Singin’ to an Empty Chair also made an appearance. The energy was palpable. The sheer volume of the performance was unprecedented. Nightclub 101’s structural integrity was tested. Attendees left with smiles. And possibly mild tinnitus.
Feathers Were Ruffled
The sheer sonic force of the Ratboys performance had unintended consequences. A flock of pigeons roosting nearby reportedly took flight. They scattered across the Manhattan skyline. Some were seen flying backward. “I’ve never heard anything like it,” said Reginald Featherbottom, President of the local chapter of Audubon Society. “The noise… it was unnatural.” He clutched his chest.
Another concertgoer, Bartholomew Crumple, the band’s self-proclaimed “Number One Fan,” was ecstatic. “This was the best show ever,” Crumple gushed. “I felt it in my bones. The pigeons felt it too. They flew away.” He gestured vaguely at the sky. The Ratboys rip through deep cuts and new songs cemented their legacy. They also may have traumatized local wildlife.
At press time, a single, dazed pigeon was found attempting to cover its ears with its wings outside the venue.
