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TOILET RATS LP "BLACK CATS" REVIEW | iodine rae

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Transporting you back in time with his latest record, Minneapolis-based synthy, punky, something something artist Toilet Rats (Tommy Ratz) brings us Black Cats, with a sailing 30 minute runtime that’s perfect for my work commute.

I’ll be honest that this is my introduction to Ratz, and I wasn’t totally sure what to expect from a project called Toilet Rats; I was surprised by its post-punkiness (dunno why… guess I was expecting something edgier??), but it was a pleasant surprise. What a beautiful thing, to make something that subverts expectations.

I really dig his pairing of heavy distortion and synth usage—it gives the record a gritty, but electronic identity that fuses the two genres together in a way that just makes sense. Moving through the present and the 80’s, its punkier edges lean toward The Ramones, or perhaps Dead Kennedys, while its more new-wave inspired sounds are something reminiscent of bands like Duran Duran and New Order (though, admittedly, I’m not especially well-versed in the genre). Ratz also gives a very moody vocal performance, which ties together the gothic undertones of his sound. Maybe think The Cure but dancier.

The album’s first single, “Heart Emoji MPLS”, celebrates the resilience and community of Minneapolis, being one of many artist’s responses to the fascist occupation of our city. It’s an uplifting track that stands out tonally, and is one of my favorites off the record. I really think it earns its single status. Subsequently, “Shimmy” and opening track “Darkness” were released ahead of the record, setting the tone with a healthy dose of togetherness and optimism—reaching toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Crash Out” embraces spoken-word with ranting lines overtop 8-bit-ish beep boops and a ding dang SAXOPHONE SOLO! (which certainly breaks up the album as it otherwise flows together—I’m a sucker for brass, so it was a welcome addition), while “Vampirella” kicks up the tempo and takes a lighter, more sci-fi approach to the Toilet Rats sound.

I have a bizarre connection to make—there’s an inherent silliness to it all that reminds me of The Aquabats… also, both use synth similarly—I’m beginning to realize that this may be what’s clicking for me here; I love the silly combination of sounds and ideas. “Utopia” and “Asteroid” in particular tap into that humorous side of the record and hit some more bizarre lyrical beats than the songs that take themselves a smidge more seriously.

Horror is a clear influence thematically, and of course with that post-punk hue. “I Was A Teenage Exorcist” encapsulates this especially well, with a simple but catchy chorus and oxymoronic upbeat yet somewhat sepulchral atmosphere. It’s a lot of conflicting energies that somehow nestle down harmoniously.

It is a hope-infused, contemplative trip through time and space, calling out to the future with notes of the past. There’s a lot of good on this record, and I’ve only given you a taste here. If it sounds like your thing (or, even if it doesn’t), give Black Cats a try.

(Published 6-26-26)