Liverpool’s RATS are back with their infectious new single, Turn It Around, a track that blends reggae influences with smooth classic hip-hop, encapsulating the vibe of both struggle and resilience. From the first chord, the song pulses with an energy that perfectly matches the politically charged lyrics, creating an unmissable snapshot of the band’s dynamic sound. It’s another powerhouse addition to their debut album, Rule The World, out 2 May 2025 on Allsorted Records.
The song’s birth came from a moment of reflection in the wake of lockdown, with bassist Lowell Carragher drawing inspiration from the electricity crisis and the feeling of austerity pressing down on everyday life. “Turn It Around” started as a political track, and while its heart still carries that message, it’s also evolved into something more layered. The song weaves together the hard-hitting beats of Dr. Dre-style hip-hop with a subtle, almost dubby reggae groove—a sound that feels natural, raw, and completely RATS.
Musically, the track is a breath of fresh air, striking the perfect balance between sharp, rhythmic guitars and a chunky, head-nodding bassline. The reggae influence runs deep but is never overbearing; it’s used sparingly enough to provide a smooth undercurrent to the track’s more urgent hip-hop side. And then, there’s that bassline, deep, reverberating, and unmistakably RATS. As much as Turn It Around feels like a political anthem, it also breathes life into a sense of togetherness, making it the kind of track that’ll have you singing along at full volume at a festival or live gig.
Joe Maddocks’ frontman energy is ever-present, his vocals commanding with their perfect mix of grit and melody. It’s easy to see why RATS have garnered such a reputation for their live performances, and Turn It Around only adds to that expectation. The infectious chorus hits the mark, with catchy hooks that refuse to let go, this is a song designed to be played on repeat, letting its groove get under your skin.
Lyrically, the track doesn’t shy away from hard truths. It’s about inflation, the lights going out, and how austerity can be both a personal and societal challenge. But instead of wallowing in doom and gloom, RATS have transformed these weighty themes into an anthem of defiance and hope. It’s a reminder of how music can reflect the world around us, even in its darkest moments, while still keeping the party alive. There’s a sort of magic in RATS’ ability to capture this sense of social malady with such an irresistible beat, much like their previous singles, Section 60 and Hard To Find, Turn It Around reinforces their gift for blending serious themes with crowd-pleasing soundscapes.
Turn It Around signals another strong step toward the release of Rule The World. With its infectious blend of reggae and hip-hop, it’s a perfect representation of RATS’ ability to push boundaries while still delivering a relatable, feel-good anthem. It’s a song that’ll stick with you long after it’s ended, and we can’t wait to hear more when the album drops in May. Make sure to catch them live this track is guaranteed to light up their already electrifying setlist.
Never destined to bring more of the same, but to up the ante every time, all of RATS upcoming April 2025 Tour Dates are as follows:
- Sat 12 April – Edinburgh, The Wee Bar
- Wed 16 April – Carlisle, The Source Collective
- Thu 17 April – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds 2
- Fri 18 April – Sunderland, The Independent
- Wed 23 April – Portsmouth, Edge of The Wedge
- Thu 24 April – Dover, Booking Hall
THE FRONT ROW 
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