RAT BOY @ The Lower Third, London (13/06/24)

Ahead of a new album, indie rock superstar RAT BOY announced an intimate evening at London’s iconic The Lower Third with support from his good friend Andy Goodwin. The 28-year-old LAIDBACK singer stormed the indie scene with the wonderfully quirky, rebellious and edgy SCUM in 2017.

Since then, he’s remained a powerful but often understated force in British music through his observational day-to-day songwriting. Excited for what’s coming next, we had to be in the crowd.

“London, what a turnout” grins Goodwin, eyeing up the beer-fuelled masses wading closer towards the stage. Hailing from Manchester, he’s encapsulated the very epitome of British swagger and has been dubbed ‘the Gen Z indie provocateur’ by Rolling Stone. His rapid rise to notoriety is attested by a tenacious live presence and a self-assured attitude, tactics harking back to Oasis and The Stone Roses.

After dropping his debut EP, Tales Of A Likely Lad, he cycled through a wondrous selection of dynamic tunes. But, Fred Perry Girl proved where this 22-year-old was heading. Donned in Perry knitwear himself, the Jamie T and Bakar-inspired tune did nothing but solidify the charm circling him.

Singing of three stripes, polo shirts and cups of tea looks to be back in fashion. Just as the Cost of Living crisis and impending election doom engulf the UK, it’s, in fact, times like this that free-speaking and grounded artists like Goodwin are evermore important. And while he’s not necessarily a pioneer, nor claims to be, his blend of old and new is captivating. His energy was so infectious, we’ll be returning to catch his special free set at Sebright Arms on 20th June.

When it was time for RAT BOY to hit the stage, there was a palpable sense of nostalgia seeping through the air. Stapling RAT BOY branded union flags on stage, teasing the new album cover, this intimate night was going to be as much of an outlet for him as it was for the fans.

Chaos ensued for the entire set. Loading up track after track, mosh pits took control of the room regardless of what was played. It didn’t take long to realise this was a typical environment for a RAT BOY concert experience, people losing themselves in the words made us smile. From the FIFA mega-hit GET OVER IT and nostalgic throwback LAIDBACK to newbies SUBURBIA CALLING, his ruthless fans showed what it means to be a real crowd.

“We are doing a music video tonight, I need you to jump” only making people more feral, with the camera crew recording at their own risk. The atmosphere was so electric, that even the bar staff grasped their phones to capture the sweaty bouncing unfolding before their eyes.

What was truly notable was the reception remaining just as high for RAT BOY’s newer tracks, alongside older cult-indie classics. His newer direction, encompassing more Brit Pop than ever before, is crucially fun. It’s all very Blur, particularly ONE IN A MILLION, re-vamped for 2024. That being said, Jordon (RAT BOY) has collaborated with Damon Albarn previously.

Crowd-surfing followed, with support artist Andy Goodwin taking to the skies, embracing the utter carnage with that cheeky smile. The huge finale with LEFT 4 DEAD received a double mosh-pit extravaganza. When the night came to a close, people weren’t tired. They were actually full of energy, larger than life itself. At RAT BOY, all you need is your free spirit, and you’ll feel unstoppable.