EP REVIEW: Bad Decisions (REDHOOK)

EP Bad Decisions // ARTIST RedHook

Sparkling audacity and genre-bending beauty lies at the juicy core of the debut EP Bad Decisions from Sydney trio RedHook. Dripping with bold melodics, chunky flavours and candied hooks, RedHook have undeniably lived up to expectations on their debut, both shaping and rattling the alternative metal cage as they continue to take over the world in fiery and formidable fashion.

Barrelling onto the scene back in 2017, Sydney trio RedHook have continually transfixed fans and the industry alike with their self-described "screaming rap rock electro pop mutant" flair commanding attention with the fire and force of a thousand volcanoes hanging out on the surface of the sun. Armed with a mesmerising blend of metalcore, electronica and rap, RedHook have steadily upped the ante over the years, both with their swelling sonic repertoire as well as their live show rap sheet (with stints at both the Aussie and UK Download Festival, as well as tours alongside Bad Wolves, Thornhill, Ocean Grove and beyond). But while the past is lined with accolades and a rapidly swollen fanbase, 2021 brings a long-awaited milestone for these lovable alt rock mavericks, with the trio's debut EP Bad Decisions finally out in the world today; and hot damn, it was worth the wait.

With a bunch of singles already bread-crumbing the road to Bad Decisions, it would be safe to assume there would be no surprises on the end product, but across the space of six tracks RedHook flex their quirk and staggering expertise, opening in deliciously catchy fashion with the total bop that is I Don't Keep Up. Kicking off in energetic fashion, I Don't Keep Up is an upbeat barrel of sparkling rhythmics, melodics and even some jaunty brass to spice up your life as frontwoman Emmy Mack twists and turns between shattering sass and syrupy charm. Cure 4 Psycho rolls in next with heavier undertones as chunky bass, jagged guitars and gnarled vocals take centre stage amidst electronic flourishes.

The criminally catchy title track Bad Decisions leads into the EP's midpoint, as gang vocals and punchy basslines shape this riotous delight. And while the track itself is a fun and furious blend of pop, rock and rap-laced punk, it's here that we continue to witness RedHook's ability to craft brawling earworms with relatable and hard-hitting thematics. Stemming from a significant bout of depression for Mack and a reflection on her own personal self-destructive behaviour and self-loathing, Bad Decisions inevitably hits extra hard with its raw flavours, and offers a timely reassurance that we're all a hot mess at times (and these messy moments can result in songs that absolutely slap!).

From jauntier waters to full-blown snarl, Kamikaze hurtles in next, with menacing electronics, razor-blade riffs and a ferocious feature from Windwaker's Will King in the latter third of the track perfectly complementing a powerhouse outing from Mack. And if you weren't already convinced RedHook are otherworldly (lovable) mutants, the ambient intimacy on Alien flicks the switch to softer, melodic alt rock whimsy, before the anthemic beauty Your Heroes Are Bullshit ends things on a powerful and potent note as RedHook fly every stylistic flag in their arsenal to ignite, inspire and tear down the status quo in one dazzling swoop.

For anyone who has ever witnessed RedHook live in action or devoured their sparkling singles over the years, it's little wonder that Bad Decisions is a polished and punching good time. Balancing a constant flux between rage and serenity, there's an engrossing display of stylistic juxtaposition on the EP, mixed with an undeniable thread of emotive might, clever arrangements and charismatic quirk. While the underlying inspiration for their long-awaited debut EP may have been laden with self-doubt and personal struggles, the end result is a cathartic, vigorous triumph that dazzles in its plucky glamour as much as it relishes in its scathing might. The best decision you could make this week is to experience Bad Decisions from start to finish, and share in the monstrous delights that await.

REDHOOK'S DEBUT EP BAD DECISIONS OFFICIALLY UNLEASHED TODAY, WITH A HEAP OF SHOWS ON THE HORIZON TO CELEBRATE. TOUR INFO AND MORE BELOW!

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REDHOOK BAD DECISIONS TOUR All tickets on sale via weareredhook.com

BY TIANA SPETER

EP REVIEW: Bad Decisions (REDHOOK)

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