It’s been a minute, but Liverpool’s RATS are primed to make a triumphant comeback just in time for the new year. In today’s world, where Kneecap stands for Ireland and Benefits represents the North East of England, RATS are stepping up to amplify the voices of anyone who has felt the sting of the controversial “stop and search” tactics. This Wednesday, the band will unleash their first new music since 2022 — the intelligent, furious and long-standing live-favourite ‘Section 60.’
Stirred into action by their current six-date UK Tour, the group will finally be bringing the hard-hitting track to streaming services this week. The track’s provocative lyrics, penned by enigmatic, truth-telling frontman Joe Maddocks, shine a spotlight on the controversial policing tactic known as “Section 60” – a measure that allows a form of policing where a whole neighborhood is persecuted because of the actions of a few.. As Maddocks explains, “I was riding home from the studio one night and was stopped by the police, leading to my anatomy being violated for no reason other than riding a bicycle. In the cycle lane too. This song isn’t having a go at the police, but the legislation … Liverpool has more stop and searches, in an area that covers less than 550k people, than Greater Manchester, which is upwards of five million people. It’s a nationwide issue but has more of an impact on Liverpool youth than anywhere else and is set to one side as being ‘just part of growing up’. The song highlights what’s happening nationwide, especially to minority communities.”
First played live back in 2021, Section 60 quickly won over RATS fans and proved why Maddocks is deserving of comparisons to the likes of Jamie T and The Streets’ Mike Skinner: the band’s eclectic sound in this track fusing myriad styles, from funky, energetic reggae and R&B vibes to the smooth, soulful grooves of ’80s yacht rock.
After achieving multiple early-career successes, including supporting Liam Gallagher at his 2022 Teenage Cancer Trust show at The Royal Albert Hall alongside Kid Kapichi, RATS remain equally enthusiastic about writing and recording as they are about performing live. Following an intensive round of recording sessions behind them, the band, comprising Maddocks with Mikey Duncalf (guitar), Chris Carragher (guitar), Lowell Carragher (bass), and Alan Phillips (drums), will take ‘Section 60’ and select new tracks on the road with them next month. All confirmed, remaining 2024 live dates for RATS are as follows:
Tue 17 Dec – Glasgow, Audio (Tickets)
Thu 19 Dec – Newcastle, Zerox (Tickets)
Fri 20 Dec – Grimsby, Docks Academy (Tickets)
To be the first to find out about upcoming live dates and new musicannouncements from RATS, connect with the band online at:
