B-Side Guys

Subway Rat’s debut album, ‘Stand Clear of the Closing Doors,’ released on August 18, 2023, stands as a compelling narrative of a young man’s heartbreak and journey towards self-discovery. David Polanco, the creative force behind Subway Rat, has crafted a debut that is both a personal odyssey and an homage to the vibrant musical landscape of New York City.

The album, totaling 12 tracks with a runtime of 37 minutes, is a vivid portrayal of raw emotion, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of musical influences. From the gritty alternative beats of New York to the storytelling prowess of New Jersey pop, Subway Rat has artfully blended these elements into an infectious rock debut.

The opening track, “Tell Me What To Do,” sets the stage for the album’s thematic journey. It’s a song that exudes unrequited yearning, with lyrics that plead for love and recognition. The escalation in tone and urgency, combined with added guitar lines, captures the listener’s attention, drawing them into the emotional world of the narrator.

“Rendezvous,” the album’s first single, is a standout track that epitomizes Subway Rat’s sound. The Strokes-esque guitars intertwined with lyrics like “I live a half-baked life, nothing is going right” create a poignant reflection of the narrator’s state of mind. The thumping bass and concise, hooky guitar lines make “Rendezvous” an anthem of unfulfilled desires and a beacon of the project’s musical identity.

The album weaves a narrative of heartbreak and introspection, exploring themes of love, loss, and the quest for identity. “Schoolyard Crush” and “Tomorrow” further delve into the realms of longing and affection. With funky rhythms, debonair guitar lines, and starry-eyed synths, these tracks showcase Subway Rat’s ability to blend genres seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

“How Much Was My Fault?” marks a shift towards introspection, questioning the role of the self in the dissolution of a relationship. The title refrain evokes a state of contemplation, bridging the gap between heartbreak and self-awareness.

“Espresso Martini” and “I Guess I’m Wrong” continue the album’s exploration of coping with lost love. The tracks are emotionally charged, with “Espresso Martini” asking poignant questions like “will you show up?” and “do you think of me in your head?” Meanwhile, “I Guess I’m Wrong” escalates feverishly, capturing the turmoil and confusion inherent in the aftermath of a breakup.

“V Day” brings back the early 2000s NYC indie-rock feel with its submerged vocal effect and frolicking guitar work, while “LMK” concludes the album with tender guitar tones and hypnotic vocal lushness. The incorporation of piano into the driving bass line in “LMK” serves as a fitting end to an album full of captivating rock successes.

Throughout ‘Stand Clear of the Closing Doors,’ Subway Rat demonstrates a keen understanding of musicality and storytelling. The album’s production is top-notch, showcasing Polanco’s skill as a songwriter and his ability to translate personal experiences into universal themes. The influences of artists like The Strokes, Ramones, Talking Heads, and Bruce Springsteen are evident, yet Subway Rat manages to create a sound that is distinctly his own.

The album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through the complexities of young love and the process of finding one’s place in the world. The fusion of indie rock, hip hop, post-punk, and pop elements, combined with Polanco’s unique rasp and emotive delivery, makes ‘Stand Clear of the Closing Doors’ a standout debut in the indie alternative scene.

In summary, Subway Rat’s ‘Stand Clear of the Closing Doors’ is a testament to the power of music as a medium for storytelling and emotional expression. It’s an album that not only showcases Polanco’s talents as a musician but also resonates with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love and life. With this debut, Subway Rat has laid the groundwork for a promising career, one that will undoubtedly continue to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.