With Drunk, alt-rock grunge rapper Lab Rat, aka Dylan James, dives headfirst into the gritty corners of toxic relationships and late-night self-reflection. Released via Mushroom Pillow on November 8th, Drunk brings raw, DIY spirit and unapologetic storytelling to the UK scene, following his acclaimed single Exit Path. This new track solidifies Lab Rat as a voice for those navigating messy relationships and searching for a sense of freedom in life’s chaos.
Drunk opens with dark, haunting guitar riffs that immediately set a moody tone. The rhythmic undercurrent—thick and relentless—provides a solid backbone as Lab Rat’s gritty vocals unravel the story. It’s clear that Drunk isn’t just another breakup song; it’s an anthem of repeated mistakes, the compulsion to reconcile in the heat of the moment, and ultimately the realisation of moving on. Lab Rat recounts nights of “3 a.m. drunk calls,” recalling the pull of toxic love and the inevitable crash that follows, encapsulating the experience in a line that begs to be shouted by listeners.
Born in the UK and now rooted in Melbourne, Lab Rat’s journey has been defined by struggles with addiction, depression, and tragedy, all of which fuel his authentic, hard-hitting approach to music. The foundation of Drunk—a bassline conceived six years prior—grew from these real-life experiences, gaining potency after a tumultuous relationship finally reached its breaking point.
Having found a musical home with Mushroom Pillow, a European label known for its fearless approach, Lab Rat is carving out a path that defies convention. Working with a label and community that embrace his honest, no-holds-barred style has allowed him to bring his music to a global audience.
With Drunk, Lab Rat channels the rough edges of life into a track that feels cathartic, raw, and relatable. It’s more than music—it’s a glimpse into his journey, making it impossible not to root for him and the continued rise of his gritty, resonant sound. Drunk is a track that will resonate with anyone who’s been in the throes of a relationship they know is all wrong but can’t resist, and it’s just one more reason Lab Rat is an artist worth watching.
Stream "Drunk" now: