Ratt – Infestation (Roadrunner) ****1/2

This is the first Ratt album in ten years and it is a barn burner for sure. It’s like they stopped time and created a record that would have fit comfortably in 1985. Ratt has done exactly what Kiss did with Sonic Boom. Infestation is their best record since Invasion Of Your Privacy. Not only are all the tracks solid Ratt ‘n Roll tunes but they seem to capture the fun of their earlier releases. It is a party CD and it is out just in time to be cranking out of the speakers at all the backyard barbeques this summer. If you like early Ratt, then this is a release you can’t miss.

Eat Me Up Alive – This track starts up where Invasion Of Your Privacy left off. The riff is classic Ratt but it is on the heavier side of their sound. Stephen Pearcy has lost none of that early swagger and the chorus is catchy as hell. It’s like the last 25 years never happened.

Best Of Me – Things get a little more melodic on this one. It is more of a “hit single” Ratt sound. If you are a fan of “Round And Round” or “Lay It Down”, then you will be diggin’ this track all day long. The guitars compliments of Warren DeMartini and Carlos Cavazo prove that all the good catchy riffs have not been used.

A Little Too Much – Again the guys don’t let up and continue the pace with this straight ahead rocker. As with the other tunes, this one has another catchy chorus. Three songs in and there is not a bum note in sight.

Look Out Below – Pearcy’s voice sounds a little weird singing the verses but goes back to that sound we love for the choruses. Early on, I could tell that Ratt were influenced by Aerosmith and they still show that influence on “Look Out Below”. This tune has that same swagger that Aerosmith infused in their songs.

Last Call – Things get a little faster on this one. Although it’s a good tune, it’s one of the more pedestrian tunes on this disk. It is a good track but the previous 4 songs are much better. If the previous material wasn’t as strong, then this would rate better.

Lost Weekend – If you are looking for that “fun” Ratt sound and lyric, then look no further. This captures that time so well and it has that classic Ratt sound. This one would have fit nicely on Out Of The Cellar or Invasion Of Your Privacy.

As Good As it Gets – That Aerosmith influence pops up here again. This cut is pure rock ‘n roll or should I say, Ratt ‘n roll. Ratt walks that line between metal and rock with some tracks falling more on the metal side and some on the rock. This one is definitely more rock.

Garden Of Eden – The guitar sound does not sound like the typical Ratt tune. Overall, this doesn’t sound like Ratt other than the vocals but it’s a cool departure. It’s a heavier rocker that still has a great catchy chorus.

Take A Big Bite – Clocking in at under 3 minutes does not make this a throw-away. It is a catchy and quick rocker. It’s the type of tune that would be great to close a show with.

Take Me Home – Ratt give us a ballad-y tune that I feel would have been better if it had been more in the middle of the record. There is some great guitar work that reminds me of a more current sound. It’s not your typical Ratt tune and yet it still could not be anyone else.

Don’t Let Go – This cut is similar to “Take A Big Bite” I that it is a frantic rocker that is the perfect way to end this solid album. It is a fast tune that has all the classic elements of Ratt and it really makes you want to hit the “repeat” button on your CD player and hear the whole record all over again.

Greg Olma