It’s almost like Shamir was born to do this — “I wanted a guitar before I wanted a bike,” he admits coyly. It’s as if someone preordained him to become an acolyte for millions of kids who feel like they’re never going to find a place where they’ll fit in. He mines the sound of the diva era and, in the process, becomes a diva figure himself. Ratchet is a celebration of queerness and individuality, a encouragement to say “fuck you” to society’s rigid structure and just be yourself. Even when he’s at his darkest and even when he’s battling his inner demon, this album is happy to be alive. –James

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