Born from pandemic-era creativity, Pack Rat has evolved from Patrick McEachnie’s solo project into a dynamic quartet. Joining McEachnie (Chain Whip, Corner Boys, Hosehead Records) the current line-up includes Bella Bebe (Bratboy), Ripley McEachnie, and Tony Dallas (Isotopes, Bratboy). Their latest album Life’s a Trap showcases a classic dual-guitar setup complemented by bass and drums. With all four members contributing vocals, the band effortlessly shifts between snotty, bratty, and poppy tones, resulting in a garage pop punk record that offers surprising variety.
Craving synths? Try I Know You Know, Can’t Stop or Rat Trap. Need something sweet and catchy? Press play on Sleepless or Pure Trash. Want to be transported back to the UK ’70s pop punk scene? The one-two punch of Ask a Punk and Two Makes One delivers (or check out the video of Neighbours below). Missing the early days of The Hives? Electrified has you covered.
While the influences are evident in their songwriting (fans of the Dirtnap Records catalog should take note), Pack Rat carves out its own distinct identity. Life’s a Trap marks the band’s most ambitious effort to date, with a noticeable leap from 2021’s Glad to be Forgotten. That goes beyond the production quality, the songwriting has become more deliberate without sacrificing the raw energy that defines their sound.
Simply put, this record shreds. It is out now on Drunken Sailor Records.
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