Instrumental Masterminds Ratatat to Hit Fox Theater

Stephanie Hernandez

New York based instrumental group, Ratatat have been blowing party speakers since their inception back in 2001. The duo consisting of Mike Stroud and producer Evan Mast are well versed in the art of remixing and creating infectious instrumentals all their own. Pending the rumored released of a fifth studio album, Ratatat are hitting the road hard and bringing their psychedelic visually stunning show from the Coachella Valley to The Fox Theatre April 15.

Evan Mast and Mike Stroud first met while both attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, but did not begin collaborating until 2001. After recording several tracks under the name “Cherry” the two decided Ratatat was a better fit, and released their self-titled debut in 2004. Impressively written and recorded entirely in Mast’s Brooklyn apartment on his personal laptop, the album is almost entirely an instrumental work. The first single from the album, cult favorite, “Seventeen Years” was released on Mast’s own record label Audio Dregs, an impressive DIY feat of production. Eventually signing to XL Recordings, Ratatat took the occasional and amazing remixes we might add, and released them on “Ratatat Remixes Vol. 1.” This move caught the attention of many including the likes of Rolling Stone Magazine, eventually propelling the boys to national fame. The duo found themselves touring alongside acts like Björk, Daft Punk, Franz Ferdinand, and The Killers. Two years later, in 2006, Ratatat released the follow up to their debut, “Classics.” It’s clear the two did something right because they recorded the entirety of the album in Björk’s New York home. Not unlike their debut, “Classics” was also mostly instrumental, but included what perhaps is now the group’s most played song, the unmistakable “Loud Pipes.” The success of their sophomore album was followed by the 2008’s experimental album LP3 and the similarly innovative LP4 in 2010 followed by a national tour alongside Vampire Weekend.

Ratatat’s live performances are best described as 1960‘s Psychedelia meets modern day avant-garde cinema. With beautifully orchestrated light shows in an array of colors and projected videos precisely added in, it is easy to see why Ratatat has gained such a loyal following. Hitting Governors Ball and Coachella this year only adding to the rumors of the release of a long overdue fifth album, eager fans will have to wait and see. However, until then, we don’t mind listening to this seriously cool duo’s past work, including the hands-down best remix of Biggie Smalls “Party and Bullshit” to have ever hit eardrums.

Don’t miss a beat, catch Ratatat at The Fox Theatre April 14. Tickets available here.