Headwreck – Attitude Adjustment (EP Review)

Headwreck – Attitude Adjustment
Released: October 31, 2025

Connor Hickman // vocals
Jamo Benadie // guitar/vocals
Colby Horton // drums
Dayne Paix // bass/vocals

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The most captivating rebrand of 2025 would have to go to the Brisbane metal misfits of Headwreck. The quartet have tossed aside their “sad shit” sound and embarked on a nu-metal journey entrenched in cheekiness, groove and y2k aesthetics. ‘Attitude Adjustment’ is an incredibly refreshing development for the scene as the project lets go of faux toughness and instead endeavours to be as goofy as it is stank-face-inducing. 

Opening track, ‘Fillet O’ Fish’ wastes no time jumping into a glitchy synth that shoots through the speakers and into your chest – an apt and anticipating preparation for what’s to come. Colby Horton’s pummelling drums, Jamo Benadie’s warmongering riffage, Dyne Paix’s head-bopping bass and Connor Hickman’s abrasive screams chase that anticipation effectively – burying you in an instant onslaught of collective noise. The charge screeches to a smooth halt as Connor cruises into a bouncy, punk-rap verse. This whiplash transition is what makes driving the speed limit to this song so incredibly difficult. The lyrics of course play into this (Hop up in the car or I'm gonna drive past ya / Hit the gas and we're gonna go faster), but I would also blame the teasing synth that scales in the background – it would convince any driver they were in a GTA lobby. 

The glitchy groove continues into ‘LOW BLOW!’, here the sound moves out of the character-select screen and sprints into action. The track expertly marries funky rhythms and heaviness with those pumping drums and bass, tangled with distortion and screams. It’s a satisfying exploration of the new Headwreck we were just introduced to. That’s not to say the melodic influence has been completely tossed aside, as Connor’s clean vocals peek through in the bridge – deescalating the pace before yet another killer breakdown sided by lasering synths and machine-gun blast beats. It's this culmination of mischief, groove and nostalgia that transforms Headwreck into a metallic Joey Valence & Brae. I’m obsessed.

The assault is cut short and interrupted by the voices of Plankton from The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie – an endearing introduction to the third track: ‘Plan Z’. Despite the title and soundbite inclusion this track is the project’s most vulnerable addition. It’s smoother, melodic, lyrically raw and sees a full embrace of the clean vocals that were touched on previously. It’s a quiet reminder that while new Headwreck intends to utilize goofiness, they will occasionally explore the emotional themes that surround metal. A promise that continues into ‘Buzzsaw’ that follows suit emotionally but just adds a ton of record scratches. I can see why this was the first single released from the EP – offering a smoother transition into nu-metal territory.

The smoothness of the track is immediately disrupted by “BINGO!”, launching directly into a breakdown that feels like entering the centre of a battle. In this intense moment, Headwreck reveals a new their new attitude and upbeat sound , which is truly refreshing. There’s often pressure in the alternative music scene to suffer for the sake of art. While this has always served as an important outlet and signal of community, it’s cool to see musicians celebrate the fun side of the genre, a shift that is welcomed eagerly by fans. This enjoyment of frivolous carnage aligns with the growing public recognition of genres like meme slam and pop metal. Whether Headwreck was influenced by these styles or not, it’s fascinating to see a portion of the community opting for light-heartedness over darkness. Metalheads are bored of being sad, and Headwreck is here to appease them.

To close, ‘Razor’ offers a fitting goodbye. If ‘Filet O’ Fish’ were GTA, then this track would be Guitar Hero. The song is riddled with colourful licks, lasers, soft piano breaks and an overall victorious feeling that fades out like a final level. It’s a satisfying closer that compliments the record both sonically and visually. 

What a ride! ‘Attitude Adjustment’ by Headwreck presents an exciting and refreshing introduction to the band’s new era. Flowing with goofiness, groove, and sentimental aesthetics, the Brisbane quartet has levelled up and delivered a hard-hitting EP that will have you both drifting and dancing. Happy listening!

Rating: 8.5/10
Attitude Adjustment is released October 27th. Pre-order the EP here!
Review by Grace Cameron @gracicxo