Melbourne alt-rockers Bad Juju are back and baring their teeth, announcing their upcoming EP Simulacra — due out Friday, October 24th via Thirty Two Records — and unleashing the monstrous title track as the next chapter in their evolution. Darker. Grungier. Heavier. This ain’t your average alt-rock record; Simulacra dives headfirst into the digital void with a defiant middle finger raised at the synthetic world we’re all drowning in.
With pre-orders now live for vinyl and merch bundles HERE, Bad Juju are also set to bring this new sonic fury to the stage in September, with appearances confirmed for BIGSOUND 2025 and the inaugural Converge Festival. If you’re after raw, sweat-drenched catharsis in a live setting, mark those dates now.
The New Single – “Simulacra”
Dropping today, the title track “Simulacra” is a nu-metal-soaked slab of distorted emotion and lyrical unrest. It’s a razor-edged reflection of a society spiralling into simulation — where what’s real and what’s constructed are melting into one hollow version of life. In the band’s own words:
“The expectation of perfection in so many aspects of life is becoming harder for the average person to keep up with. Whether it’s real art vs AI, or real life vs what is posted on social media platforms – we are constantly pushing towards a faker version of the real world. This song is about pushing back against a robotic digital future, where our online self is almost a stranger to our true self and our ideas are no longer our own.”
Produced by Jack Newlyn (Between You & Me, Belle Haven) and mixed by Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove), Simulacra is sonically massive — thick with sludgy guitars, punchy hooks, and an underlying pulse of digital discontent.
The EP – Simulacra (Out October 24)
Taking cues from Jean Baudrillard’s theory of “simulacra and simulation,” the EP is a conceptual dive into identity, perception, and the fight for authenticity in a hyper-curated, tech-fuelled world. Blending 90s grunge, 2000s nu-metal, and a bite of modern hardcore, Bad Juju are building a sound that’s as nostalgic as it is next-level.
The EP builds on the groundwork laid by previous singles “Honey” and “Incision (cut you out)”, which signalled the band’s shift into more aggressive, angst-driven alt-rock territory. Triple j Unearthed’s Emmy Mack called “Honey” “a Capilano jar filled with napalm,” while Metal Hammer UK described “Incision” as “powered by bouncing riffs and an irrepressible sense of energy…”
One of Australia’s Rising Rock Forces
After the huge reception to their 2023 debut full-length Blue Heaven, Bad Juju have earned their stripes with features across NME Australia, The AU Review, and Hysteria Magazine. Spotify jumped onboard with major playlist placements across All New Rock, Homegrown + Heavy, Fresh Finds AU/NZ, and a cover spot on Local Noise. They’ve had spins on triple j, Unearthed, community radio, and even soundtracked Channel 7’s Friday Night Footy.
But where Bad Juju really shine is onstage. Since their formation in 2017, they’ve built a live reputation as one of the country’s most exciting and energetic acts — sharing stages with The Ghost Inside (US), Movements (US), Loathe (UK), Boston Manor (UK), Teenage Wrist (US), Mayday Parade (US), Touché Amoré (US), Trophy Eyes, and more.
“Simulacra” the single is out now and streaming everywhere.
Crank it loud. Question the fake. Embrace the chaos.
Simulacra EP is out October 24 via Thirty Two Records.
Pre-order the vinyl here
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1: DESTROY ALL LINES SHOWCASE, BRISBANE
w/ FRIENDS OF FRIENDS, SUNBLEACHED, LATE 90S AND MORE
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 2 – 5: BIGSOUND 2025, BRISBANE
w/ BAD/LOVE, BESTIES, ELIZE & THE DELUSIONALS, POLISH CLUB, THE TULLAMARINES, WAFIA AND MORE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7: CONVERGE FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE
w/ BAD/LOVE, YOUNG LIONS, THE COMFORT AND MORE
Stay tuned to Crannk.com for more heavy news, interviews, and artist features from the underground and beyond.
