History
Ratcat
Ratcat was an Australian indie rock band active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, fronted by Simon Day. The group distinguished themselves with a sound that blended indie pop songwriting with energetic, punk-influenced guitar work, attracting a following from both the indie and skate-punk scenes.
Formation and Early Releases
Formed in Sydney in 1986, Ratcat quickly became a fixture in the city's live music circuit. Their initial output was released through Waterfront Records, including a self-titled EP, several singles such as "I Think I Love You" and "Baby's Got A Gun," and their debut album, This Nightmare, in 1989. The band followed this with another EP, Killing Joke, and the single "Saying Goodbye."
Commercial Success and Later Years
In 1990, Ratcat signed with the rooArt label. Their first release for the new label was the six-track EP Tingles. This EP, featuring the catchy A-side "That Ain't Bad," benefited from budget pricing and achieved significant commercial success, reaching #1 on ARIA's alternative charts and subsequently topping the Australian national chart. This success paved the way for their album Blind Love and the single "Don't Go Now," both of which also reached #1. Their subsequent single "Baby Baby" and the album Insideout performed well, though not to the same extent as their earlier hits. The band continued to play live sporadically and released one final album, Easyrider, in 1997.
Reunions
Ratcat reunited in 1998 to perform at the Homebake Festival, with Nic Dalton (formerly of The Lemonheads) joining as bassist. The band reassembled again in 2006 to play a support slot on The Psychedelic Furs' Australian tour.
