Black Rat
DZ Deathrays · 2014
39 min · 11 tracks · dance-punk
A frenzied blend of dance-punk energy and incisive lyrics that propel listeners into a whirlwind of sound and rhythm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Rat — The title track encapsulates the album's frenetic spirit with relentless beats and sharp guitar riffs, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Gina Works at Hearts — This track features catchy hooks and an infectious energy that showcases the band's ability to fuse punk with dance elements seamlessly.
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Northern Lights — A standout moment on the album, it introduces a more introspective side through atmospheric instrumentation paired with compelling storytelling.
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Tonight Alright — This closer brings a sense of resolution with its anthemic chorus and driving rhythm, perfectly encapsulating the album's overarching themes of nightlife and escapism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic dance-punk elements with engaging songwriting, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high-energy tempo with driving beats, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
- The use of layered guitar riffs and synth lines throughout adds depth to the sound, particularly in tracks like 'Gina Works at Hearts' and 'Ocean Exploder'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- high-energy dance floor vibes
- infectious hooks for sing-alongs
- pulse-driven rhythms for workouts
- short bursts of adrenaline
- late-night party ignition
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative sounds
- seek long, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Black Rat marked DZ Deathrays' second album, following their acclaimed debut, Bloodstreams. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the Australian music scene while exploring a more polished sound and intricate lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death from Above 1979· The Rapture· Hot Chip
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Black Rat 3:31
- 2 Gina Works at Hearts 3:37
- 3 Less Out of Sync 3:07
- 4 Reflective Skull 3:31
- 5 Keep Myself on Edge 3:34
- 6 Northern Lights 4:12
- 7 Nightwalking 4:08
- 8 Fixations 2:54
- 9 Ocean Exploder 4:04
- 10 Tonight Alright 2:53
- 11 Night Slave 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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