Rats On Rafts

The sun hangs languidly over Hilvarenbeek, but a different climate rages on the Muziekgieterij Stage. In the sweltering afternoon light, I see David Fagan as a darkly clad priest of melancholy, performing an incantation with his band Rats on Rafts – founded in 2005 – that re-invigorates post-punk with melody, weight and meaning. Firestarters of a sound that now characterizes more Rotterdam bands. But with Rats on Rafts, the old fire still burns – Deep Below.

During the Heaven Sessions on the Muziekgieterij Stage during BKS, the penny dropped. Rats on Rafts played a set that was sharp, pensive and melodic. An old song unexpectedly formed the blueprint for their new sound. Since then, Deep Below has not let itself be played from memory.