Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.
Premium Rat knows they can’t go it alone.
The Ypsilanti, Michigan indie-rocker embraces that mindset while exploring the need for connection and community on their debut album.
“That has been the journey of my life because I’ve always been a very independent person and a person who’s not good at asking for help,” said Mer Rey, who performs as Premium Rat, about Stranded on Land.
“This album tells the story of me learning that lesson—that no person is an island—and I can’t do it all myself.”
Premium Rat follows that story arc throughout Stranded on Land’s 12 tracks, which were curated against a backdrop of multi-genre sounds.
“The idea of Stranded on Land is starting the album feeling very disconnected from the world and people around me, feeling like I didn’t understand or belong in the world, and feeling very isolated and alone with that feeling,” said Rey, who features elements of pop punk, indie rock, dance-pop, indie folk, and Broadway music on the album.
“As the album goes on, it tells the story of me finding community, finding other people who also felt that way, and realizing, ‘Oh, I’m stranded on land, but so are a bunch of other people, and we’re actually stranded together.’ And that is how we [find] our way out and claim our freedom—by doing that together.”
The Stratton Setlist 