Melbourne-based alternative rockers Bad Juju announced the release of their upcoming EP, Simulacra, out Friday October 24 and available for vinyl pre-order via Thirty Two Records. Today, they share new single “Unwind“, which launched live this month at BIGSOUND and Converge Festival.
“Unwind” cuts to the heart of toxic power dynamics. The track captures the experience of being strung along by someone with bad intentions, where your hopes and needs are used like bait, and the eventual moment of clarity and escape. “Getting myself untangled from this kind of situation before it took its full toll is what ‘Unwind’ is about,” vocalist Russ Holland explains.
The Simulacra EP furthers Bad Juju’s evolution into darker, grungier territory. Produced by Jack Newlyn (Between You & Me, Belle Haven) and mixed by Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove), Simulacra is the culmination of Bad Juju’s unique mix of 90’s grunge, 00’s nu metal and modern hardcore. The release draws inspiration from the concept of simulacra and simulation, and explores the distortion of reality in the digital age. Each track unpacks themes of identity, perception, and the struggle to find authenticity in a world of artificial narratives.
Previous singles “Simulacra“, “Honey” and “Incision (cut you out)” were revealed as the first taste of their new sound, weaponising Bad Juju’s angst and alt-rock fury. Metal Hammer UK reviewed “Incision” saying: “Incision is powered by bouncing riffs and an irrepresible sense of energy…” and Emmy Mack reviewed “Honey” on triple j Unearthed with: “This goes off like a Capilano jar filled with napalm…”
Following the success of their 2023 debut album ‘Blue Heaven‘, which earned praise from NME Australia, The AU Review, Hysteria Magazine and more, Bad Juju have solidified themselves as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging rock acts. The album’s singles received strong playlist support from Spotify, including placements on All New Rock, All New Metal, Homegrown + Heavy, Rock: Fresh Finds, and Fresh Finds AU/NZ, as well as a cover spot on Local Noise. Tracks were also spun across triple j, Unearthed, community radio, and Channel 7 Friday Night Football.
Since finding their voice in 2017 with their alternative 90s-inspired grunge sound, Bad Juju have built a formidable live reputation, sharing stages with alternative music heavyweights including The Ghost Inside (US), Teenage Wrist (US), Boston Manor (UK), Movements (US), Loathe (UK), Touché Amoré (US), Mayday Parade (US), Trophy Eyes, and many more.
“Unwind” is out now and streaming everywhere. The Simulacra EP will be available Friday October 24, pre-order here.
