Down With Ratface - Ratface
“Down With Ratface” is the most recent release from Ratface, a one man hip hop act from Bristol who brings his home grown style to the forefront in this release. Currently performing across the New York area Ratface brings a punk edge to the hip hop genre with his deep and gritty vocals.
This latest 15 track release is a follow up to "Ratface... on ice" and has many twists and turns throughout, keeping you listening for new strange and wonderful sounds. Opening track “Ratface Wins” is a catchy and upbeat opener following a repetitive yet appealing bassline. From the very first track you get a good idea of what Ratface is all about. His raw, underground sound continues throughout with varying backing provided by his four track recordings. “Faith” is a point in the album where I noticed a change. A far more deep and gloomy outlook on life is portrayed and it is a noticeable change to the opening warmth we first heard. At this point “Faith” shows a willingness to actually express important feelings which gives the album a more connected feel and definitely improves its overall appeal.
Throughout the album Ratface refuses to conform to any recipe which ensures that with each track there are new and exciting discoveries to make. “The Saviour And The Serpent” offers a different style again with its simple rhythm and suffering shrieks of “Bring it in, Bring it out” to open and end the track, showing a pure emotion for the central theme of the song.
“The Wet Song” is another completely different style with its acoustic guitar, whistling riffs and lazy bobbing rhythm. It is a moment within the album where you actually hear Ratface sing to a song without his angst filled spitting rap style and is a welcome break to the raucous nature of previous tracks. This track takes on a folk style and is a definite highlight for me.
With such a raw and unconventional style many people may disregard Ratface as they may find it difficult to access, however it is in this style and changeable nature where Ratface really shines with a willingness to open up himself and his music, and write music which literally reflects himself and this is something that many artists lack. It may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I certainly suggest you take a listen and decide for yourself whether this raw British hip hop is for you.