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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: London power-pop darlings Lucy and the Rats drop sophomore effort "Got Lucky"
Written by Nathan Whittle from Louder Than War
Lucy and the Rats return with their second album and produce another fine record of a summer-infused power-pop garage full of hooks and harmonies.
Two years have passed since their debut album, and, as the summer slowly starts to kick in, London-based four-piece Lucy And The Rats release another record to soundtrack the hazy days and warm nights.
Lucy, originally from the Australian group The Spazzys, has a sugary sweet voice, crystal clear and yet, although the melodies float softy over the stripped-back punk-pop choppy chords, she possesses a strength of personality within the lyrics that belies the first impression. Her songs sing of independence, feelings of settling into happiness within one’s own skin, but always with a bittersweet touch. At times it’s like hearing a young, and perhaps more timid, Debbie Harry and the overall combination, along with her band, comes closest to that of Nikki And The Corvettes
Those already familiar with the band will find no surprise in songs like the single September, or in the infectious Time To Time. Simple and catchy, the songs are earworms that quickly work their way into your consciousness and are hard to shake loose. However, the songs that jump out more are those where the band leaves the sweetness to one side in favor of a more urgent rhythm and drive. Pinch Myself comes close to a Ramones-style attack and, given that the band that backs Lucy up also form the backbone of Johnny Throttle, and have also played in the likes of Thee Tumbitas and The Gaggers, it’s logical that once let off the leash, the band run with greater verve and energy. It’s in those moments that they call to mind some of Lookout! Records highlights in bands like Pansy Division and The Smugglers.
That said, what also marks the album as a step up from their debut is their ability to balance that sound with altogether much gentler songs such as On Fire and TV on which their fragile delicacy shines through. It’s that equilibrium between the pop and punk that results in a record to keep going back to.
Her songs sing of independence, feelings of settling into happiness within one’s own skin, but always with a bittersweet touch. At times it’s like hearing a young, and perhaps more timid, Debbie Harry and the overall combination, along with her band, comes closest to that of Nikki And The Corvettes - Louder Than War
Jangly guitars blend easily with Lucy’s tuneful vocals, the luscious melodies bouncing around. When the guitars aren’t quite so jangly, they have a bit of a garage edge, too. - Jersey Beat
Got Lucky is their newest effort and their sophomore full length, falling in alongside great 80’s punk-influenced power pop like Holly and the Italians and Nikki & the Corvettes and 60’s girl-group goodness like The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. - That's Good Enough For Me
“Good Sunday morning to you…here’s a new song from Lucy & The Rats, it’s called September, although it has a distinctly summery vibe to it. Coming to you from London by way of Melbourne, Lucy & The Rats bring you their latest single, September. Its taken from their new album, Got Lucky, due out July 3rd.” - The 13th Floor
“Power pop foursome Lucy and the Rats have shared the video for the song 'September'. It is the latest video from their sophomore album, 'Got Lucky', which will be out July 3 via Stardumb/Dirty Water.” - Punk Rock Theory
It’s this gloriously melodic slice of punky power pop, all-girl harmonies and attitude and messy riffs and this tinge of bittersweet that, if anything could, makes you love it even more. Check out the slightly psychedelic-tinged video with the band doing a workout of the song on camera.”- Backseat Mafia
“Acidic surf rock power pop with an appropriately hazy fog and bright vocals plus melodic solos to shine straight through it all, “September” wants to be your next backyard cookout jam. Lucy’s performance comes off with just the right amount of bittersweet play as the Rats tag along for the melancholic yet catchy ride.” - A journal of musical things
Brimming with a vintage vibe that might conjure up memories of early-’60s girl group classics like The Crystals or The Ronettes, the song’s chiming, sing-a-long melody finds Lucy and the Rats smoldering with a cool fire. - LiveEyeTV
It gives me chills to hear Lucy constantly refining her songwriting talents as she grows into a true master of the popcraft. "Dark Clouds" is her finest work to date - a sad, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful pop song that brings to mind something that would have been all over the radio in the early '80s. - Faster and Louder blog!
