Australia’s LAB RAT burst onto my radar in September 2024 thanks to his alt-rock grunge rap track Exit Path. In January 2025, Jane followed that up by sharing his single Drunk in her Monthly Favourites round up.
By Graeme Smith
Now the artist also known as Dylan James is back with his third UK single Rolling Loud. In it, he unapologetically shares the excesses of his life, tackling them with raw honesty and a certain angst.
A relentless riff starts off the track before a quick-fire, storytelling verse comes in. We are at once transported to a day and night of debauchery beautifully expressed by Dylan’s vocal which walks the line between passionate and melancholic with precision. An anthemic chorus is the track’s crowning achievement. It’ll have you itching for a night on the town.
All three of his recently released singles will feature on his upcoming album. Based on the evidence so far, it’s going to be a corker. LAB RAT is proving himself to be a powerful voice with a unique sound and point of view. Having thrown off the shackles of addiction, the world is truly at his feet.
Rolling Loud is out now via Mushroom Pillow. You can give it a listen below.