Liverpool’s Alternative-Indie/Post-Punk-Rock sensation, Toy Car, is back with a bang after their electrifying performance at the Isle of Wight Festival 2023. Their latest single, “Rat Race”, is the first half of an eagerly anticipated double release, and it’s here to set the music scene ablaze. Recorded in Leeds with a dream team of producers and mixed to perfection, “Rat Race” encapsulates the raw energy that has made Toy Car a force to be reckoned with in the live music circuit.
“Rat Race” explodes into existence with an unapologetic energy that grabs your attention from the very first note.
The backbone of “Rat Race” consists of tight drums, a relentless wall of overdriven guitar lines, and a grounding bass that together create a mesmerizing, high-octane, and expressive soundscape. At just 2 minutes and 49 seconds, the song wastes no time in delivering its sonic punch. The urgency in the vocals, which alternate between spoken and sung, brings forth the post-punk undertones and 90s Brit-pop influences, establishing Toy Car’s signature sound.
“Rat Race” is more than just a musical adrenaline rush; it carries thought-provoking themes that reflect the band’s keen observations of modern life. The band explains, “A phrase I had when writing this track was ‘to be a perfect citizen.’ It has themes of the system and society as a whole but doesn’t exactly blame anyone, only observing modern life.“
The song’s structure is deliberately simple, with the verses carrying the lyrical weight while the instrumental sections release the built-up tension. This approach creates a “town crier effect”, amplified by harmonics during the instrumental parts. It’s a dynamic that invites listeners to engage with the message while grooving to the music.
Influenced by classics like “Debaser” by The Pixies, Toy Car set out to infuse “Rat Race” with life and the power to move audiences at their live shows. The result is a track that not only resonates with its audience but also makes them part of the experience.
Despite their relatively short journey as a collective, Toy Car has garnered substantial attention. As they continue to build on their early success, there’s no doubt that they will keep racing ahead in the music industry, making waves, and turning heads wherever they go. So, fasten your seatbelts and join Toy Car on this exhilarating “Rat Race” – you won’t want to miss a moment of the ride.
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