Show Review: Ratatat at the Mayan Theater

You know it’s going to be a great night when the venue plays “Jasmine” by Jai Paul before the headliner. Following a wonderful set from Hot Sugar, there’s a lot to be said about Ratatat. The vibration-raising duo started the night with a grand, synth-wash and sub-bass heavy version of “For Christ is the Lord.” The duo spent most of the night playing crowd-pleasing tunes while never compromising their ability to experiment and take their songs in new directions. Mike Stroud (guitars, keys, synths, percussion) and Even Mast (bass, synths, autoharp, percussion) both gave all they had to the audience, and they definitely rival Chromeo for the position of “coolest musicians alive.”

Surrounded by a torrent of lasers, projections, high-intensity lights and fog machines, the show was just as much about the sensory experience of the eyes as it was for the ears. They sounded amazing, and the only other place I’ve heard a guitar tone that HUGE was at a Kanye West show during “Black Skinhead.” The layered visuals of cascading lions, doves, fireworks, eagles, coupled with bright colors, crazy experimental snowflakes, and multi-armed infants all induced a wonderful psychedelic experience. All in all – if Ratatat is back in town, go see them. You won’t regret it.

CHRIS ROBINSON, HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Imaginal Cell (Thursdays, 8-9 PM)