The future of punk is retro.

Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Toilet Rats return with Synth Redux Vol. 1, a stripped-down, synth-punk resurrection of fan-favorites, on April 25, 2025, via Steadfast Records and Sweet Cheetah Records. 

Channeling the raw energy of basement shows and the coldwave pulse of early synth-punk, Tommy Ratz (aka Thomas Rehbein) rewires Rats classics with pulsing drum machines, snarling analog synths, and the kind of nihilistic groove that’d make 1983’s dancefloors combust.

“Imagine your favorite Rats songs filtered through a late-night punk dance party,” says Ratz.

This isn’t a remix—it’s a rebirth. A reimagined onslaught of chaos, where overdriven drum machines meet ghostly synths, and every track feels like a stolen transmission from another era. This is the banger fans of dystopian dance parties and unapologetic noise have been waiting for.

Watch the video for “Clap Back (Synth Redux)” here. This version blends electro-clash elements with dancey, dirty beats and deep synths, crafted using a vintage Roland Juno 106 and Moog Rogue. 

Rats says, “‘Clap Back (Synth Redux)’ is a song about standing up for yourself. I really leaned into a grimy beat and heavy, distorted synths to emphasize the point that you have the power to hold your ground.

Catch Toilet Rats live:

Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Zhora Darling, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Friday, April 18, 2025, at Thesis, Rochester, Minnesota

Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Underground Music Cafe, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Photo courtesy of Joe Vaughan.