RATSALAD

ASTOR THEATRE

I had the pleasure of catching Ratsalad live recently as they opened for New Zealand's legendary Shihad at the sold-out Astor Theatre in Perth, WA. Having interviewed the Aussie trio just a month before, I already knew they were something special, but seeing them perform live only solidified that belief.

Ratsalad isn’t just a band—they’re a family. And I felt that warmth immediately from them personally. The trio is as real and down-to-earth as they come, and their infectious energy takes over the room the moment they hit the stage. It was clear that the crowd felt the same, as they were completely engaged from start to finish. I was treated like one of their own, and that’s something you can’t fake. It’s a rare feeling, and you can tell it’s part of their DNA. Alongside the trio was their long-time friend and touring guitarist Kaiden, whose presence was a breath of fresh air and added even more dynamic energy to the performance.

The band arrived around 5:00 pm and did their sound check at 5:50 pm, setting the tone for what was to come. As doors opened at 6:00 pm, the crowd quickly poured in, buzzing with anticipation for the show ahead. Ratsalad hit the stage right at 7:00 pm, and the vibe was electric from the first note. The energy in the room instantly spiked, and it was clear this was going to be a night to remember.

These guys are tight. You can tell just how much effort they put into rehearsing and refining their sound, and it paid off in spades. Ken was rocking what looked like a custom paint Les Paul, and it just screamed Ratsalad. It was a perfect match for the heavy, groovy riffs that he laid down throughout the set.

Speaking of the setlist—it was a journey through Ratsalad's entire catalog, with every track perfectly chosen to keep the crowd engaged. The pacing was flawless, and each song flowed effortlessly into the next, showcasing the band’s ability to play both heavy and intricate pieces without missing a beat. The level of musicianship was evident in every moment.

Ratsalad plays with a level of fun and freedom that’s hard to find these days, and that was apparent throughout the show. There was so much humour between songs, and the way they engaged with the crowd made it feel like we were all part of something much bigger than just a concert. Jaz was everything I hoped she would be: full of energy, a true front-woman with charisma and talent radiating from every move. She was clearly having the time of her life up there, and that passion was contagious.

Ken’s presence on stage was undeniable. His heavy riffs and infectious energy kept the crowd hyped and the room vibrating. And then there's Erica—a multitalented sensation. Not only did she crush it on the drums, but her ability to contribute vocally really added a unique element to the show that few bands manage.

Kaiden’s role on guitar was no less crucial. His dynamic playing added layers to the performance, complementing the trio in all the right ways. He was seamless with the rest of the band, and together they created something truly special.

The set itself was a perfect blend of heavy head-banging anthems and intricate, more delicate moments, showcasing the full breadth of Ratsalad’s musical abilities. From start to finish, the crowd was hooked. The show was a masterclass in stage presence, musicianship, and crowd engagement.

I can’t wait to see these guys again. Ratsalad has this rare combination of technical skill and heart, and their live show is one for the books. Every time they perform, they prove why they’re one of the most exciting bands to watch right now. If you ever have the chance to see them live, don’t miss it—you’re in for a hell of a ride!