Australian-based alt-rock grunge rap artist LAB RAT (Dylan James) follows his breakout UK single “Exit Path” with “Drunk,” a visceral ode to the chaos of toxic relationships and the allure of self-destruction. Released in November via Mushroom Pillow, this track captures the essence of LAB RAT‘s gritty, unvarnished style, blending grunge-laden guitar riffs with the intensity of alt-rock and a confessional rap cadence.
“Drunk” careens between moments of vulnerability and defiance, embodying the emotional turbulence of a love that’s as magnetic as it is damaging. The track’s punk energy is undeniable, yet it’s tempered with an indie rock sensibility that allows for moments of introspective reflection. This blend complements the song’s lyrical content, diving into the messy realities of a relationship defined by dysfunction.
The lyrics themselves offer a stark portrayal of this dynamic. The opening lines, “Is that it? Boy, don’t get smart with me, cause I’ll knock your a** in the middle of next week,” immediately establish a confrontational tone, hinting at the underlying tension and animosity.
The hook—“Why you call me when you’re drunk? / Got me feeling like I’m dumb / Got me feeling like you don’t care”—is deceptively catchy, juxtaposing a melodic vulnerability against the rawness of LAB RAT’s delivery. The repeated refrain mirrors the cyclical nature of the toxic relationship he describes: a relentless push-and-pull dynamic that keeps both parties trapped in a pattern of pain and desire.
The song’s standout moment comes in the bridge, where the lyrics turn introspective:
“She thinks I’m number one / And running on the scene
She thinks of me in ways / That you would not believe
And I’ll take, I’ll take away / That I can’t feel the stains”
Here, LAB RAT captures the clash between conflicting perceptions and internal scars, underscoring his struggle to reconcile the adoration he receives with his own self-worth. The haunting bassline, written six years before the song’s completion, serves as the perfect backdrop for these confessions—its brooding tone evoking a sense of foreboding that mirrors the relationship’s inevitable implosion.
LAB RAT’s personal journey, marked by profound personal struggles, including family discord, trauma, and addiction, undoubtedly informs his music. This background adds weight to “Drunk,” transforming it into more than just a song about a bad breakup. This narrative of overcoming adversity, coupled with the raw emotionality of “Drunk,” is showing he’s not just making music; he’s baring his soul, and in doing so, he creates a powerful connection with listeners who have experienced similar struggles. “Drunk” is a raw nerve exposed, and it resonates deeply.
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