Born in the blistering heat and surf of Western Australia, Ratking are emerging as one of the most exciting hardcore bands around. In just a handful of years, the five-piece have released an impressive discography and become one of their country’s most outstanding live acts. Now, on the precipice of their first Japanese tour in July, Ratking have released SERF – an EP of their most engaging,
formidable material yet.
Since day one, Ratking have worked tirelessly. Their debut release, 2013’s Wastelander was an introduction free of ambiguity. Pummelling at any tempo, the EP carved out a unique foxhole from which the band have been attacking ever since. Growing in skill and confidence, the band released their debut album Commonwealth the following year – heavier and more menacing than their debut, setting Ratking on a focused trajectory towards international recognition.
But if Commonwealth was a testament to what they could achieve, SERF is a jaw-dropping insight into just how exceptional this band is becoming. Led by singles Vote4Me and Gotta Light?, SERF is a fucking monster – a tornado of blitzkrieg drums, powerful riffs and the acidic, reverb-laden howls of Josh Reeves. Drawing upon elements of punk, hardcore and thrash, SERF is impeccably performed by the band, and delivered with gargantuan sonic weight by producer Matthew Templeman
(Make Them Suffer, Statues).
As Ratking’s profile grows so to does the list of heavyweight acts that choose the band as their go-to choice of support – Every Time I Die, Comeback Kid, DZ Deathrays, KingParrot, Northlane, Suicidal Tendencies, Hellions, Miles Away, Norma Jean, LetLive., Counterparts, Stray From The Path, Deez Nuts, Raised Fist, ’68 and more.
While hardcore is undoubtedly a universal language, Ratking’s dialect is distinctly Australian. Amidst the relentlessness of their music is a laid-back charm that comes from a life lived by the beach. Unbeknownst to the world, Ratking have been readying themselves to tour every corner of the planet, and SERF is the harrowing siren that heralds the impending invasion.
‘SERF’ EP out now feat. Vote4Me and Gotta Light?
iTunes/Apple Music | Spotify | Google
Ratking Next Show:
Headbangers Ball – Mid Year Prom
Thursday May 17 @ Amplifier Bar, Perth
w/ Facile, No Brainer (fb event)
