Your reviewer's not given to quoting from press releases as a rule, but it's difficult not to take notice of a band described as being in possession of "a mellow undercurrent as well as having teeth: not unlike a crocodile on morphine": which is a terrific image if nothing else.
Fortunately for Belfast-birthed and UK-based DRAT, their music is descriptive enough on it's own as it turns out, and this four-track demo EP really oughtta be released officially in its' own right as there's four pretty consistent goodies skulking within.
Opener "Happy Motor" is the obvious lead track. It kicks into life with a big, Glam-my sunburst of an intro and is followed by slower verses and jaywalking basslines while charismatic vocalist Brian Acton enjoys getting his tonsils around great weirdo lyrics like: "the corpse in the driveway never found a heart to call a home." It resolves itself into a classy, anthemic chorus showcasing the band's brilliant Northern Ireland accents and musically it recalls Pulp or "Now I'm A Cowboy"-era Auteurs more than anyone.
The opiated croc aspect of the band's sound slurs into view with the intro to second tune "Bulletproof". The odd, Arab Strap-style compressed vox and minimal drum loop set up something that moves with zombified grace, but soon blssoms when electric pianos and gently careesed guitars enter the picture. It's good, understated pop with a few attractive, chromatic twists and even briefly erupts in a Manics-esque fit of pique for a few seconds.
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Both "No More Superheroes" and "Get It Wrong" continue with similarly wistful and windswept qualities to their name. The former comes across as a likeable mutation of Pulp and Mercury Rev and "Get It Wrong" is arguably better again, starting out with a slow, neo-glacial strum and flourishing quietly into slow-burning pop with a Wayne Coyne-ish tinge to the 'telephone' vocals and a melody line that's hung straight and true.
Drat, then, are a promising find, and surely a band to get acquainted with come the New Year. If they can remain as mindful of the quality control, the Dastardly and Muttley connotations of their name will soon disappear as they leave the other contenders in the pop race to eat their dust. It could yet happen.
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