Subway Rat, real name David Polanco, is an indie alternative artist who has just come to my attention thanks to the release of his second album. A unique mix of pop, rock and hip hop, it’s called Captain of the Football Team.

By Graeme Smith

David’s debut album got him onto the musical map, proving a success on streaming platforms. This follow up pushes his sound further both in terms of song writing and production.

It opens with Outta Town. David is inspired by legends such as Lou Reed and The Strokes and you get the influences straight away due to its jangly, offbeat construction. A punchy electric guitar riff initially greets you before expressive vocals come in. Finally, it arrives at a passionate rock chorus.

Hope! is a triumphant, fist-pumping sort of track with a catchy arrangement. Crazy has a vulnerable rawness to its stripped-back intro before it arrives at a bouncy, percussive groove. Queens Kids slows things down with an intimate, atmospheric hip-hop moment. Moon sits at the heart of the album showing us a soft, romantic side of the Subway Rat sound.

Corner Café brings us unapologetically back to rock and roll and provides a descriptive story that paints a picture. Nostalgia is suitably wistful but sparkles with an electronic energy. It’s a highlight.

Summertime is the kind of track that gets you moving with looping percussion and upbeat indie rock. Lost Without U is a melancholic, experimental number before Modern Lovers closes the album with a vibrant, layered fusion of rock and hip-hop that proves to be a final highlight.

If you look back fondly at the music of the ’00s then you’re going to find a lot to love about Subway Rat’s sound. Yet, he’s also bringing a modern and unique twist that means he’s definitely one to keep an eye on.

Captain of the Football Team was recorded at Lounge Studios and released under Subway Rat’s label Rat Tooth Records. You can give it a listen below.