11/29/25
I received an email from Phoebe of the "post shoegaze" group Ratstallion from Denver. She had some complimentary things to say about T.B. and let us know of her group's new release.
"Sisyphus Happy" is 19 minutes -- 7 songs -- of 'gaze. I wish it was longer. The themes are pain, truth, perception and attachment.
Shoegaze is the form of hard rock that's most suitable for a vocalist. That's because the singer does not have compete with a handful of loud instruments. Up front with the vocals is a distinct lead guitar line with a little echo on it.
Underneath is usually the low frequency fuzz of bass and another guitar. Drum sounds are usually flat. That's where Ratstallion excels. "Pit" and other tunes have some drum effects that enhance what this three-piece outfit has to offer.
The songs are significantly uptempo and I like hearing Phoebe sing, so I will listen again. I set aside the standard gutteral vocals in a couple of songs that are common in active rock, since that is often the price of admission in the shoegaze arena.
It looks like they play the Front Range so check them out if you can.