B-Side Guys

Rebellion assumes many forms. For Milwaukee’s all-transgender outfit RAT BATH, it manifests as what they aptly describe as a “sassy bop” that conceals razor-sharp political commentary within deceptively catchy arrangements. Their latest release “7 to 4” showcases this approach with particular effectiveness, creating an anthem that’s equally at home soundtracking road trips or revolution.

Self-described as “All noise no boys,” this Queercore unit has built a reputation for “reclaiming queer-coded villains” through their storytelling approach. “7 to 4” continues this tradition, transforming religious condemnation into empowered identity. The track seizes degrading imagery typically hurled at women and queer individuals—particularly those centered around reproduction and sexuality—and reclaims them with confrontational glee.

What distinguishes RAT BATH from similar politically-charged bands is their understanding of how to package righteous anger within genuinely infectious melodies. Drawing from indie rock influences like Beach Bunny and Scarlet Demore, they create musical architecture that invites rather than alienates, making their confrontational message more accessible without diluting its impact. This balance between abrasiveness and catchiness explains their growing success, including three consecutive appearances on The Milwaukee Record’s Favorite Albums list.

The production choices enhance this thematic exploration, with instrumentation that shifts between pop-punk brightness and more abrasive textures. Particularly effective is how the arrangement builds toward each chorus, creating musical catharsis that mirrors the lyrical release of their repeated rejections of patriarchal religious authority.

Most striking is RAT BATH’s ability to transform potentially heavy subject matter into something almost playful. Their approach to addressing restrictive gender expectations and religious oppression comes with a wink and a middle finger rather than a lecture, creating space for both dancing and reflection. This technique represents punk’s highest aspirations—rebellion that doesn’t sacrifice joy.

Having maintained a “diligent tour schedule” across the continental US, RAT BATH demonstrates how regional punk scenes continue to provide vital platforms for voices traditionally marginalized in mainstream music. “7 to 4” serves as evidence that sometimes the most effective political statements come not through earnest proclamation but through celebration of precisely those identities others seek to suppress.

The track stands as perfect introduction to a band that understands protest can be both pointed and playful—appropriate for both “sleepovers and break-ups” while still carrying messages that might just reshape the world.