EP REVIEW: Bad Decisions – RedHook

The inability to make good decisions gets us all in the end. To err is human after all. Australian trio REDHOOK remind us of that fact when they drop their EP Bad Decisions on April 23rd.

The six track EP chronicles spiralling mental health with a high octane soundtrack. Emmy Mack’s punk infused vocals hold court in both clean singing and precise rap pieces. Themes of relationships, pent up frustration, and ostracism hurl us toward self-destruction.

Aggressive riffs and a riotous rhythm draw REDHOOK‘s party animal out to play for the title track. “These bad decisions haunt me but they make good stories” serves as the EP’s tagline. Tales of woe soon bounce on playful guitar solos. If ever there was a song to use in movie montages of the night before, Bad Decisions is it.

Throughout the EP, REDHOOK transport us through the spectrum of depression. That may connote we’re in for 18 minutes of constant spiral but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. Five out of the six songs are energetic projections of mania and anger. Anthemic choruses and a saxophone solo to listen out for keep us oblivious to the fact we’re on a slippery slope.

Cure 4 Psycho chronicles the effect outside influences have on a person’s mentality. Realising maliciousness is rife, Mack revels in quipping “Suddenly it seems so damn easy to let you go”. Selfish natures drive Cure 4 Psycho to distraction as it spirals into anxiety. Vocal overlays in the bridge mirror the racing thoughts of an anxious mind. As if dictating the pace of these thoughts, the drums attack the listener from every angle. The raw power of Mack’s scream over the final chorus marks a transformation from broken mess to strong mind.

Fusing electronic sirens with bass laden riffs create REDHOOK‘s cobweb eradicating anthems. Loyalty to their vision does catch them out with the off flat moment, but the trio are quick to shake them off. Unapologetic attitude and commitment to the cause make Bad Decisions a great listen.

Alien, the only ballad in the suite, shows a softer side to the trio. The band opts for a stripped back approach, allowing slips of rock driven guitar to slide under the radar. “No one ever broke my heart so I just broke it myself” speaks to the inner saboteur with devastating intimacy. Being made to feel as if you’ll never be good enough can damage a person in the end as REDHOOK demonstrates. Turning on herself; “Why do I always break everything?” breaks our hearts before anyone else can.

While not wanting to end the EP on a sad note, placing Alien so close to the end kills the momentum. That doesn’t mean final track Your Heroes Are Bullshit is a bad song by any stretch. It feels lacklustre and as if it were only added to not leave the listener depressed. Following something as vulnerable as Alien would have been a feat for any song. It’s a shame this curtain call falls short.

Bad Decisions as a whole is a solid effort from the Australian trio. For angsty lyrics, driving beats, and guitars to sate your lust for punk rock; REDHOOK have got you covered.

Rating: 7/10

Bad Decisions is set for release on April 23rd via self-release.

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