Lab Rat’s latest single "Drunk" stands as a fierce and gritty anthem for anyone who has ever felt the heavy weight of toxic love. Following up his widely acclaimed track "Exit Path," the British-born, Australian-based alt-rock artist Dylan James, aka Lab Rat, channels a raw, unapologetic energy that blends grunge, punk, and hip-hop influences. Released via Mushroom Pillow, "Drunk" showcases Lab Rat’s gift for capturing the volatile highs and lows of love, making it a song that resonates with listeners navigating their own emotional battles.
Musically, "Drunk" is both powerful and haunting. It opens with an intense bassline that instantly sets the tone, reflecting the cyclical nature of a relationship spiraling out of control. Layered with eerie guitar riffs and a thunderous rhythm section, the track creates an atmosphere that pulls you into the depths of Lab Rat's past. The bassline, written six years ago during a tumultuous relationship, resonates as a core element that embodies the emotional push and pull of toxic love.
In the lyrics, Lab Rat confronts the cyclical toxicity that defined his past relationship. Lines like "calling each other at 3am drunk out of our minds" reveal the chaotic, raw nature of a romance that ultimately fell apart. It’s this honesty that makes "Drunk" such an impactful song; Lab Rat is not afraid to bare his vulnerabilities, which makes his music feel genuine and relatable. The fact that the "girl in question" has heard the track and, surprisingly, likes it, adds an ironic twist that mirrors the song’s emotionally complex origins.
Dylan’s journey to create this song reflects his own tumultuous path to success. A survivor of addiction and loss, he found solace and inspiration in Melbourne’s Singing Bird Recording Studios, where he could channel his pain into art. This experience has molded him into an artist who not only shares his pain but also turns it into an empowering force, reminding listeners that even the darkest periods can serve as fuel for self-expression and transformation.
Ultimately, "Drunk" is a testament to Lab Rat’s authenticity and resilience. Dylan James has emerged from his personal trials with a rare vulnerability that few artists can match. By blending grunge’s rawness with alt-rock’s melody and rap’s lyrical intimacy, he has crafted a sound that appeals to a wide audience. "Drunk" is more than just a song; it’s an invitation to confront and find strength in our own emotional chaos, marking Lab Rat as an artist on the rise in the alternative music scene.