Album review: RedHook – Postcard From A Living Hell

RedHook are pissed off. If Postcard From A Living Hell was a real postcard, it would be full of capital letters, exclamation points, and would say something along the lines of, ‘You know what? We’re sick of people’s shit.’ Given that lyrically this album tells tales of dishonesty, toxic situationships, rage and people pleasing, we’d say that’s a fair feeling to have.

The Aussie quartet pack a zingy punch with this no-filler debut, building on their 2021 EP Bad Decisions with a listening experience that feels like taking a bite out of a sour cherry. Under the bold hues of red in the band’s visuals, the slapping snare drums and gnarly guitar work zap parts of the brain you didn’t know you could feel before.

Opening track PostcardXo showcases Emmy Mack’s resonant and unforgiving vocals from the get go, as Craig Wilkinson sneaks below the chaos with high neck riffing right towards the end. Off With Your Head channels the same aggressive energy as Limp Bizkit’s Break Stuff – it’s a true expression of seeing red mist.

But it’s not all fury, track Soju (featuring Sly Withers) delivers ’00s pop punk vibes, with the joyful addition of a saxophone solo as it calls on those listening to care less what others think. Intervention is deliciously brazen, with lyrics of ‘I lost my underwear, to the poser with long hair’, it explores how sometimes you can’t help but find yourself exploring connections that you already know aren’t good for you.

Postcard From A Living Hell is both bratty and all grown up. lt is an honest picture of trauma and angst, yet it still feels like a party from start to finish.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: VUKOVI, Bring Me The Horizon, Cassyette

Postcard From A Living Hell is out on April 21 via RedHook