The Stranglers ‎– IV Rattus Norvegicus VG+/VG

“IV Rattus Norvegicus” is the debut studio album by the British rock band The Stranglers. Released on April 15, 1977, this seminal album encapsulates the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the late 1970s punk rock movement. The album’s title, Latin for “Norwegian Rat,” sets the tone for the band’s gritty, confrontational style.

With its distinctive blend of punk, new wave, and pub rock influences, “Rattus Norvegicus” delivers a collection of tracks that are as edgy as they are infectious. From the relentless urgency of “Peaches” to the sinister groove of “Hanging Around,” the album showcases The Stranglers’ knack for crafting catchy hooks and incisive lyrics that cut through the societal norms of the time.

Tracks like “Grip” and “Sometimes” reveal the band’s darker, more introspective side, while “Down in the Sewer” takes listeners on an epic sonic journey through the seedy underbelly of urban life. Throughout the album, Hugh Cornwell’s snarling vocals, Jean-Jacques Burnel’s driving basslines, Dave Greenfield’s atmospheric keyboards, and Jet Black’s powerhouse drumming combine to create a sound that is uniquely The Stranglers.