Bad Juju – Simulacra (EP Review)

Bad Juju – Simulacra
‍Released: October 24, 2025

Lineup

Russell Holland // vocals
Matt John // bass
Armarin Saengsri // guitar
Drue Herring // drums

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There’s this electronically tinged, nu-metal inspired sound permeating the Aussie rock scene currently and I’m loving every second of it. This wave of sonic exploration is displayed perfectly by Melbourne five-piece, Bad Juju and their fresh EP: Simulacra. From the project’s wailing synths, to its distorted vocals and soul-stirring breakdowns, Bad Juju maintain their grunge edge whilst diving headfirst into heaviness and theatrics. I can safely say Bad Juju has succeeded in this new frontier – developing six headbanging anthems. While at times the project lacks variety, the songs themselves will be on repeat for me this summer. 

The electronically driven carnage opens with title track: ‘Simulacra’. Right out of the gate, the band’s newfound heaviness is in full display. The number builds with plenty of distortion and synth, sided by Drue Herring’s powerful drums, Matt John’s pumping bass and Russell Holland’s assertive rapping. ‘Simulacra’ pays homage to the likes of Linkin Park with a cyberpunk twist, introducing fresh formulaic flare. 

‘Unwind’ follows with an earworm-inducing bounce that is sure to get listeners on their feet. Then just as the springy rhythm becomes monotonous, the outfit descends into a breakdown I can see infecting mosh pits around the country. From the first two tracks, Bad Juju prove they are prepared for bigger sound systems, stages and crowds, developing must-see-live anthems. 

‘Incision (cut you out)’ chases with even bouncier riffs from Armarin Saengsri but the vocals pull the track deeper, divulging into something yearning and melancholic. The number is raw and accusatory but reveals a sadness that swirls beneath the anger of heavy music. It’s this dichotomy that displays catharsis amongst the theatrics, fostering a record that is as emotionally appealing as it is moshable. 

On top of this swirling sound the EP maintains pristine production and mixing throughout, but specifically so in ‘Honey’. It should be no surprise that the EP was mixed by Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove) – nailing that classic, bouncy nu-metal groove. While each track maintains this infectious groove, my only critique would be how the numbers follow the same structure. On their own, the songs are appealing, but as a body of work they tend to meld together and become too similar. This similarity is flipped on its head however as ‘Sunny Disposition’ fades in.

Perhaps my love for this song is biased as I first listened to is on my way up the coast, windows down and breathing to the ocean air. It’s a perfect setting in my opinion – a summer screamer that has you headbanging on the way to the beach. 

While blissful and upbeat, the similarity returns with closer ‘Sugarcoat’. It’s a clean, well-produced and enjoyable single, but the structure once again transforms cleanliness into sterility. It’s well done, but a disappointing closer. 

Simulacra is a theatrical cacophony of semi-futuristic alt rock. Each track hits with the same grooving breakdowns, luring you in with relentless drums and earworm melodies. While the project would benefit from more experimentation in song structure, the cohesion does not distract from the songs themselves, and I look forward to adding them to my summer playlist.

Rating: 7/10 
‍Simulacra is released October 24, 2025. Pre-Order here.
Words by Grace Cameron @gracicxo