If I learned one thing diving into Mock Media’s forthcoming third LP, Rat Bastard, it’s that they cannot and will not be put into a box. If I learned two things, it’s that they cannot be put into a box and they LOVE all deviations of rock and punk.
The four piece out of British Colombia was indeed new to me when I pressed play on Rat Bastard’s leadoff track “Mock City Rock,” and it instantly got my attention. A groove that settles into a Clash inspired anthem with bouncing rhythm, layered vocals, and an aggression that feels like a band breaking out of boxes. This entire album feels like the band deliberately wanted to flex and show they cannot be defined and that all starts with “Mock City Rock.”
The second song on this LP is when it all really started to click for me. Because with “Take It,” the band parks their Clash inspiration and introduces a new sonic backdrop akin to some 50’s power ballad. And thus, my overall takeaway: do not ever think you have figured out Mock Media, and especially this era of Mock Media.
Rat Bastard is anything but sonic consistency and I mean that as a compliment. This album is for fans of 70s punk (see “Mock City Rock”), a more new-wave 70s by way of The Police (see “Fell From the Top”), and even a heavy metal band like Judas Priest (see “Built for Speed”). You stick around long enough and you’ll also hear some 90s techno-rock in “Straight Line.” The through line in all of this is crystal clear: a group of childhood friends who love music and are great at building off the very bands that left a mark on them.
It’s one thing to make the choice to take your album in any and all directions. But to be able to execute on that vision and walk away with good songs all throughout is rare. Luckily, Mock Media has the talent to back their experimentation. These songs are tight, produced beautifully, and have been stuck in my head since I first listened.
Rat Bastard is fluid. It does not want to stay in the same place and in fact, it thrives on finding a new sounds to inspire it. It’s a picture book of rebellion and exploration without every feeling too derivative. It’s not for all, but the rock lovers who find it will absolutely adore it.
Rat Bastard is out everywhere on July 17th. Listen to its singles below:
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