Ratatat: Pioneers of Instrumental Electronic Rock

Ratatat is an American electronic rock duo known for their intricate, guitar-driven instrumentals. Formed in New York City, the pair have built a dedicated global following through their studio albums and dynamic live performances.

Early career

Guitarist Mike Stroud and producer Evan Mast formed Ratatat in 2001 after meeting while attending Skidmore College. Their initial collaboration began with Mast, under the name E*vax, remixing tracks for Stroud's indie rock band. The duo's self-titled debut album, Ratatat, was released in 2004 on the independent label XL Recordings, introducing their signature blend of melodic guitar lines and synth-heavy beats.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough to a wider audience came with their second studio album, Classics, released in 2006. While not a major chart success, the album became a cult classic, with its tracks frequently licensed for films, television shows, and video games. This exposure solidified Ratatat's position as leading figures in the instrumental electronic rock scene.

Key tracks

Seventeen Years — The lead single from their debut album that established their iconic sound of dueling guitar and synth riffs.

Wildcat — Perhaps their most recognizable track from Classics, famous for its aggressive guitar growls and primal energy.

Loud Pipes — A standout from Classics known for its triumphant melody and complex, layered production.

Mirando — This track from their 2008 album LP3 showcased their expansion into more global and psychedelic influences.

Cream on Chrome — The lead single from their 2015 album Magnifique, marking a return after a five-year hiatus.

Following Classics, Ratatat continued to evolve their sound across subsequent albums like LP3 (2008) and LP4 (2010), incorporating harpsichord, orchestral elements, and world music textures. Their music has been remixed by notable electronic artists and they have themselves produced remixes for a diverse range of acts, from The Knife to Björk. The duo's 2015 album Magnifique was released on their own label, Ratatat Music, and featured a more refined, guitar-centric approach.

Fans of Ratatat's instrumental synth-rock may also enjoy the work of similar artists featured on our site. The Glitch Mob shares a penchant for heavy, intricate electronic production. Pretty Lights blends electronic beats with soul and hip-hop samples in a similarly expansive manner. Battles offers another complex, instrumental take on experimental rock music. Grizzly Bear, while vocal-driven, explores similarly detailed and layered sonic landscapes.

Ratatat's distinctive catalog is a staple on many alternative and electronic radio stations featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly spun on independent music radio stations and specialty electronic rock streams, providing the perfect backdrop for focused listening.

You can experience the innovative sound of Ratatat by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com. Discover their instrumental anthems and deep cuts through our curated selection of alternative and electronic rock radio stations.