Melbourne’s explosive heavy alternative rock outfit, Bad Juju bring together a healthy and chunky amalgamation of tracks in their heaviest collection yet on their new EP, ‘Simulacra’, which is out now (including vinyl issues available via Thirty Two Records).   

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.

‘Simulacra’ takes the nihilism and grime of late-era grunge — with the thicker, blown-out tones of post-grunge — and blends it with chunks of nu-metal, sprinkled with hardcore flair for a hearty alt-rock stew best served cold. The rage and confusion of a digitised life, and the blurred line between what’s real and what’s filtered, come through in the band’s chunky riffing, relentless drums, and hook-heavy vocals that balance abrasion with melody.

Bad Juju have crafted a mosh-ready, explosive EP, shifting from the doom-groove weight of “Incision (Cut You Out)” to the nu-metal crunch of “Honey” and the hooky pulse of “Sugarcoat.” Simulacra is an attention-grabbing 17-minute hit of catharsis — loud enough to shake you out of your doom-scrolling and drop you right back into something that actually feels real.

  Leading singles "Unwind", "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.

  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.  

‘Simulacra’ is out now and available everywhere.