Last night saw Rat Race make their debut at The Black Market Venue — and what a first impression they made. For my first time seeing the band live, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the Midlands pop-punk outfit delivered a set packed with energy, attitude, and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.
From the opening song, the venue instantly came alive. Fast riffs, punchy drums, and catchy choruses filled the room as the band threw themselves into every track. Their stage presence felt natural from the start, with strong vocals and constant interaction helping pull the crowd further into the performance as the night went on.
What stood out most was how comfortable Rat Race looked on stage despite it being their first appearance at the venue. The crowd responded well throughout the set, with plenty of movement at the front and a real buzz building inside the room. It had the feel of a band that could easily become regular favourites with local gig-goers.
The Black Market Venue continues to prove why independent venues matter so much to grassroots music. Nights like this give emerging bands the chance to connect with new audiences, and Rat Race certainly took that opportunity.
If you enjoy energetic live music, catchy pop-punk hooks, and bands that clearly love what they do, Rat Race are well worth checking out live.