Lab Rat, the Australian-based alt-rock grunge rap artist (aka British-born Dylan James), delivers a raw and unflinching exploration of toxic relationships and emotional turmoil in his latest single, “Drunk.” Released on November 8th via Mushroom Pillow, the track builds on the success of his debut UK single, “Exit Path.”
The song opens with an audacious and defiant sample of a woman’s smug vocal snippet, setting the stage for a visceral, rhythm-heavy ride. A pounding beat, deep bass, and infectious handclaps form the backbone of the track, while Dylan’s tender and vulnerable vocals feel as if he’s baring his soul. His diaristic delivery, recounting the volatility of a toxic relationship, is both confessional and cathartic.
When the chorus hits, it’s a clashing rush, with Dylan spitting urgent, rhythmic lines over blazing guitar riffs, capturing the chaos of drunken 3 a.m. reconciliations that blur the line between passion and dysfunction.
Written in the aftermath of a destructive relationship, “Drunk” blends raw emotion with musical finesse.
The B-side of the single, “Exit Path,” offers a more reflective counterpoint. Lush guitars create a nostalgic, chiming intro, and Dylan’s layered vocal delivery—shifting between deep head tones and vulnerable highs—amplifies the track’s emotional weight. With a blend of frustration and longing, Dylan raps and sings over a storm of crashing guitars and shimmering cymbals, vividly depicting the ripple effects of pain and heartbreak.
Lab Rat’s ability to channel personal trauma into visceral, resonant music sets him apart. With “Drunk” and “Exit Path,” he continues his journey from struggle to self-expression, carving a unique space in the global alt-rock scene.
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Review by: Naomi Joan