Sunshine Coast’s rising punk rock force, Citizen Rat, kicks off 2025 with an unrelenting sonic assault in the form of their latest single, Shut My Mouth. Released on February 28th, the track is a high-voltage fusion of punk and metal, drenched in raw emotion and aggressive energy. With blistering riffs, powerhouse vocals, and unfiltered lyrical honesty, Citizen Rat delivers an anthem for anyone struggling to be heard in a world that often demands silence.
At its core, Shut My Mouth is an explosive battle cry for those who have ever felt silenced, misunderstood, or lost in the exhausting cycle of trying to please others. The song channels frustration, self-doubt, and the internal turmoil of suppressing one’s own voice to meet external expectations. It particularly resonates with neurodivergent individuals who grapple with self-expression in a world that often feels overwhelming.
The lyrical themes cut deep, exploring the emotional toll of being judged, the weight of internalized self-loathing, and the desperate fight to maintain authenticity. Citizen Rat’s willingness to tackle such intense themes with brutal honesty makes Shut My Mouth more than just a hard-hitting punk anthem—it’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable statement.
Drawing inspiration from influential acts like Fugazi and The Bronx, Citizen Rat forges their own distinct sound by merging chaotic, hook-driven punk with an undercurrent of heavy, metallic intensity. The result? A track that is both relentless and cathartic.
From the first note, Shut My Mouth grabs the listener by the throat and refuses to let go. The riffs hit like a sledgehammer—fast, aggressive, and full of bite—while the pounding rhythm section propels the song forward with unyielding force. The vocals are a mix of raw ferocity and desperate urgency, embodying the emotions of frustration and rebellion that drive the track’s message home. The chorus is anthemic, built for cathartic singalongs and adrenaline-fueled mosh pits.
Recorded at Airlock Studios with producer Jordan Bain and mastered by the renowned Willy Bowden, Shut My Mouth showcases Citizen Rat’s refined but untamed sound. The production strikes a perfect balance between clarity and grit, allowing every instrument to cut through with razor-sharp precision while maintaining the raw, unfiltered energy that makes punk music so visceral. The mix ensures that no element overshadows another—every punch of the drums, every searing guitar riff, and every impassioned lyric stands strong.
After spending the past year honing their sound, Citizen Rat is stepping into 2025 louder and bolder than ever. Shut My Mouth marks the beginning of an exciting new era, serving as the first taste of what promises to be a year packed with explosive releases, culminating in a highly anticipated LP. With their unique vocal approach, unrelenting stage presence, and fearless songwriting, Citizen Rat is quickly establishing itself as one of the most thrilling acts in Australia’s punk rock landscape.
If you crave music that hits hard both sonically and emotionally, Shut My Mouth demands a spot on your playlist. Citizen Rat has crafted a song that doesn’t just ask to be heard—it demands it. Their blend of blistering punk energy and metal-infused aggression results in a track that is not only a furious outburst of sound but also a deeply relatable anthem for anyone fighting to hold onto their identity in a world that often seeks to suppress it.
With this fiery single setting the stage, Citizen Rat is poised to leave an indelible mark on the punk rock scene in 2025 and beyond. Keep an eye out for their upcoming tour announcements—this is a band best experienced at full volume, in a packed venue, with fists raised and voices screaming along.