RATS channel political fury with ska energy on ‘Section 60’
Liverpool’s genre-blending five-piece RATS return with ‘Section 60,’ a blistering two-minute ska anthem that tackles the harsh realities of the UK’s stop-and-search laws.
‘Section 60’ delivers a vivid picture of dignity lost through aggressive policing tactics, fueled by Joe Maddocks’ razor-sharp lyricism and the band’s rhythmic dynamism. First debuted live in 2021, the track quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s knack for mixing funk, reggae, and soulful grooves with pointed storytelling. Maddocks, often compared to Jamie T and The Streets’ Mike Skinner, channels raw personal experience into the song, recounting his encounter with stop-and-search policing.
“‘Section 60’ means a form of policing where a whole neighborhood is persecuted because of the actions of a few. I was riding home from the studio one night and was stopped by the police, leading to my anatomy being violated for no reason other than riding a bicycle. In the cycle lane too. This song isn’t having a go at the police, but the legislation. “Liverpool has more stop and searches, in an area that covers less than 550k people, than Greater Manchester, which is upwards of five million people. It’s a nationwide issue but has more of an impact on Liverpool youth than anywhere else and is set to one side as being ‘just part of growing up’. The song highlights what’s happening nationwide, especially to minority communities.”
With ‘Section 60,’ RATS continue their tradition of pairing infectious melodies with hard-hitting messages. ‘Section 60’ is out now.
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