Kid Lab Rat merges Hip Hop’s underground aesthetic with Alternative instrumentals on a 12 track opus titled “More Sad Songs.” The Melbourne, Australia based musician kicks off his illustrious platter with a downbeat cut called “Roses” that establishes the melancholy proceedings. Revelations of deep despair materialize as the artist confesses that he’s losing his mind. This distressing disclosure leads into the title track with a sprawling journey of inner turmoil before “Let You Down” & “Rolling Opus” emerge as further validation of his descent.
“Holding On”(ft. Emily Wurramara)is the first track that truly taps into the root of the artist’s loneliness. Kid Lab Rat’s soul mate has “taken flight” & now he’s struggling to survive in her absence. “Gone Away” flaunts supreme guitar-showmanship that allows listeners to fully absorb the lyricist’s agony while “Blood Stains” sounds like it was recorded in a vacuum(the perfect representation for the emptiness in his heart).
“Apologetic” finds Kid Lab Rat at his most remorseful and “Just Like You Said” throws a curve ball into the mix with the performer serving up a cautionary tale of addiction. “My Blackened Heart” continues the theme of “hallucinogenic escapism” while “Behind Enemy Lines” ups the ante by overtaking the set with pure rage! “Rotten”(ft. STVTICMOON)closes out the project on a decidedly solemn note of extreme vulnerability. Kid Lab Rat may tell you he’s fading away but “More Sad Songs” informs the industry that the artist is here to stay.
– Kevin Keith
