Lp3
Xl Recordings
ELECTRO
RATATAT, the 12-stringed electro duo of multi-instrumentalist/programmer ‘Evan E
VAX Mast' and guitarist ‘Mike Stroud', are irrefutably one of Brooklyn's finest.
Mast and Stroud have been working together since 2001. The pair released their first limited single "Seventeen Years" in 2003 on the indie electronic label ‘AUDIO DREGS'. Dates with FRANZ FERDINAND, INTERPOL and BATTLES followed, and then Ratatat signed to XL RECORDINGS.
The duo's self-titled debut album arrived in spring 2004, coinciding with another round of dates with bands including !!! (Chk Chk Chk), ELECTRELANE and TORTOISE. Two years later their sophomore record ‘Classics' was released. Ratatat's touring schedule increased considerably, resulting in Mast and Stroud headlining shows all over the world and a very notable highlight: an invitation from DAFT PUNK to open for them at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.
Fast forward to 2008 and New York's Ratatat are back with their third album ‘LP3'. Tucked away in a private studio named ‘Old Soul' in New York, the two musical forces have collaborated yet again to redefine the current state of instrumental music. They broaden their palette of sounds this time around by relying more on keyboard instruments (from a grand piano and harpsichord, through to a mellotron and wurlitzer) than guitars, and live percussion rather than programmed beats. Don't worry, Mike's characteristic guitar style is still present but there are also an abundance of new textures, laced with a unique balance of penetrating beats and ethereal riffs.
Ratatat called on some friends to remix a few tracks from the album, including Baltimore's avante guard musicians ANIMAL COLLECTIVE, who have turned 'Mirando' into a 10 minute techno wonder. After several remixes under their various solo guises, this is Animal Collective's first remix under their own name. YACHT, ZONGAMIN, COPY and EROCK (brother of ‘EVAX') have also taken on some album tracks, expect to hear these soon!
Evan and Mike have also recently added their unique sound to a remix of Bjork's ‘Wanderlust', and released the second in their acclaimed ‘Remixes' series, featuring bootleg remixes of NOTORIOUS BIG and YOUNG BUCK amongst others.
Ratatat toured Australia in April 2008, playing at the ESSENTIAL FESTIVAL in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Byron Bay. Their performances received much attention and praise, shaping ‘LP3' into the perfect follow up; a uniquely crafted album of perfectly blended electro pop and dancefloor tracks for the 21st Century.
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MP3 ALBUM |
#XLCD353 |
$16.99 |
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CD |
XLCD353 |
$24.95 |
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