Melbourne’s Ratfink!, the DIY duo of high school friends Liv and Raph, deliver an album that is charmingly raw, intimate, and unapologetically authentic with their latest release, “WHEN U WERE MINE.” Recorded with a modest setup—a fifty-dollar mic, a hundred-dollar guitar, and a beer-soaked laptop—the album exudes a homemade warmth and playful imperfection that perfectly complements its themes of friendship, love, coming out, and life’s small absurdities. The duo shares vocal duties across the tracks, creating a conversational dynamic that feels personal, inviting, and emotionally immediate.
The album opens with “Won’t Wait Forever,” a bright and energetic track that blends jangly guitars with a bouncing rhythm, setting a lively tone and urging listeners to seize the moment in love and life. “About Ya” follows with a catchy, upbeat pop-rock vibe that perfectly captures Ratfink!’s DIY spirit. The playful interplay between Liv and Raph on vocals highlights their chemistry, while the instrumentation balances accessibility with indie grit. “Stevie” slows the pace slightly, offering a dreamy, reflective atmosphere where the lyrics explore friendship and nostalgia, supported by soft guitar lines that make it one of the album’s most intimate moments. “Plastic Bits” leans into a messy, rock-infused aesthetic, with sludgy guitar riffs and candid lyrics about life’s small frustrations. Its unpolished energy showcases Ratfink!’s ability to transform mundane moments into compelling and relatable songs. “Euphoria” captures pure joy, layering buoyant synths and lively guitar lines to create a sense of floating in a carefree, ecstatic space. The album’s tender side emerges in “Keep Ya Dreams,” which draws from RnB-inspired grooves and introspective lyrics about perseverance, supported by smooth, heartfelt vocals.
Honesty and courage shine through on “Gay Song,” an unapologetic celebration of identity and self-expression. Its stripped-back instrumentation keeps the focus on the lyrics and vocal harmonies, making it a highlight of authenticity on the album. “Here Be Heroes” brings a punchy, rebellious energy with driving guitar riffs and rhythm, feeling like an anthem for misfits and dreamers alike. “Marigolds” offers a softer, introspective ballad, reflecting on memory, growth, and fleeting beauty with delicate guitar work that complements the emotional weight of the vocals.The playful warmth continues in “Zoe (U Got Dis),” an encouraging track full of charm, humor, and a catchy hook that feels personal yet universal. The album closes with the title track, “When U Were Mine,” delivering a bittersweet reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time. The duet vocals bring a sense of resolution, while the simple guitar lines tie together the album’s DIY aesthetic and emotional arc. “WHEN U WERE MINE” is a celebration of imperfection, friendship, and authenticity. Ratfink! masterfully balances the playful and the poignant, creating a DIY pop album that feels intimate, genuine, and refreshingly unpolished. Each song offers its own world—sometimes energetic, sometimes tender, sometimes messy—but together, they form a cohesive story about growing, loving, and simply being yourself. For fans of heartfelt indie pop, bedroom rock, and music with personality, this album is a must-listen.
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