Album Review: Steel City Splitty by Lenin Lennon Rat King
Released in 2012, Steel City Splitty is an electrifying rock album from the Australian band Lenin Lennon Rat King. With its gritty punk edge and indie rock sensibilities, this record feels like a raw, unfiltered snapshot of mid-2010s underground music culture. The album was released under Forbidden Shopping, with standout contributions from Robert Nedeljkovic on artwork, Michael "Beef" Sale handling mastering duties, and James Blayden mixing it all into something that punches hard yet retains clarity.
From the opening riff to the final fade-out, Steel City Splitty doesn’t try too hard to be polished—it’s more concerned with authenticity. Tracks like “Shadow Moses” and “Green And Gold” stick out as moments where the band really flexes their creative muscles.
“Shadow Moses,” named after some video game thing (Metal Gear Solid fans might get the nod), kicks off with a driving bassline and jagged guitar work that grabs your attention immediately. It’s chaotic but controlled—like a mosh pit that somehow stays organized. What makes it memorable isn’t just the energy but also how the vocals cut through the noise, delivering lyrics that feel both personal and cryptic. You can tell they poured heart into this one.
Then there’s “Green And Gold,” which takes a slightly different turn. This track leans more into melodic indie rock territory while still keeping that rebellious punk spirit alive. There’s a kind of wistful nostalgia here, almost like reminiscing about old mates or forgotten summers. The chorus hits hard—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s simple and honest. When you hear lines like “we’re running out of roads,” you can’t help but think about life’s dead ends and detours. Feels real, ya know?
The production deserves props too. Mastered By Michael "Beef" Sale gives the whole thing a punchy, live-off-the-floor vibe without losing any detail. Meanwhile, the mix by James Blayden ensures every instrument has room to breathe, even when things get loud. And let’s not forget Robert Nedeljkovic’s artwork—it perfectly mirrors the scrappy, DIY ethos of the music itself.
What sets Steel City Splitty apart is its refusal to conform. In a world obsessed with playlists and algorithms, this album reminds us why we fell in love with rock music in the first place: passion over perfection, grit over gloss. Sure, it’s not gonna appeal to everyone, but maybe that’s the point.
In hindsight, listening to this record feels like finding a hidden gem at a dusty record store—you didn’t expect much, but suddenly you’ve stumbled upon something special. Or maybe it’s just proof that sometimes great art comes from places you least expect, like Australia’s lesser-known corners. Either way, Steel City Splitty sticks around long after the needle lifts off the vinyl. Who knew rat kings could rock so hard?
