Ratatat Hits the Riv

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 31, 2010 4:00PM

Ratatat isn’t known for clever album titles. The NYC-based electronic duo recently released their fourth full-length album, LP4, the follow-up to their similarly blandly-titled 2008 release LP3. But don’t let the uninspired title fool you, because LP4 is bursting with the type of energetic, hip-hop-infused electro-pop fans have come to expect from Ratatat,expanded this time by experimenting with newer and stranger sounds.

The new album is really an extension to its predecessor. After recording LP3, the duo still felt the music flowing through their veins and just kept extending their studio time until another fifteen tracks were recorded. They’ve spent the last two years touring extensively and tweaking and rearranging these tracks. Straying from the typical pre-programmed beats and samples found on their past albums, the new album includes more live instrumentation and even incorporates an orchestra into a number of tracks. For example, “Drugs” mixes a full string section into the already dense layers of elegant piano, medieval synth and funky, exotic percussion.

In support of LP4, the duo is about to kick off a lengthy North American tour, making a stop in Chicago September 10 at the Riviera. For a limited time and in select cities, Ticketmaster is offering a free digital copy of the new album with each ticket order. Unfortunately, Chicago isn’t one of those cities, but they're still offering show-goers a deal on the album: Throw an extra $7 onto your ticket price at checkout and they’ll email you download directions for a high-quality digital copy of LP4. Guess that's better than nothing.

Ratatat plays Friday, September 10 at the Riviera, 4746 N Racine, 7:30 p.m., $21.50+, 18+