For Captain of the Football Team, Subway Rat let his peculiar voice carry all the emotions in his heart. Review of a tenderly striking record.
CAPTAIN OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM – SUBWAY RAT
This is David Polanco, Subway Rat’s second album, where he shows some fresh and colourful pop-rock tracks. If the way he sets his lyrics is noticeable, it’s thanks to his voice’s timber and his various inspirations. All genres and emotions are in, and the result is fascinating. The ultra-catchy intro for Outta Town then lets some contemplative beats slide on the first chorus. Hopel comes and goes between fear of abandonment, optimism, hope, and acceptance. The guitars here are bubbly, the bass is deep and round, and the grain of his voice adds a contrast with raw and honest feelings.
Crazy gets into some classical pop shapes, whereas Queens Kids hints towards a tribute hip-hop with a splash of folk. British alt-rock influences are marked in the guitars of Moon through its kindness. Deeper in its basses, Corner Café is a contemplative moment where the vocals contrast again with the atmosphere, offering them a strong and emotionally heartbreaking instant.
Nostalgia couldn’t have a better name, as it shows through its soft 80s-like pop and its catchy chorus. It’s simple but efficient, a recipe that Subway Rat uses also on Summertime, although its ending is a touch sudden and surprising here. Lost Without U then shows off his voice’s versatility and clarity, and Modern Lovers ends it all with a kind, romantic pop-rock atmosphere. With Captain of the Football Team, Subway Rat conveys a lot of passion, in nostalgic memories and the present alike. And it’s remarkable.