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BAD STUFF
"Bad Stuff" (Relapse Records; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
If you go into Bad Stuff's eponymous album with expectations of hard rock, heavy metal or punk, you're going to be disappointed. If you go in with an open mind, you might find this unique album to be quite entertaining.
Imagine you walk into a tiki bar, particularly a vintage one, where the decor is dusty and the room is dark. You order a Mai Tai, a Trader Vic's Mai Tai, not one of those fruity vacation Mai Tais. And, as you sit and enjoy your cocktail, along with a taste of some fancy run on the side, you notice this music coming from the jukebox. It's throbbing with surf guitar but, instead of sounding like Jan & Dean, it sounds a little more like David Bowie or Nine Inch Nails (especially on tracks like "Creator.")
It's a weird, haunting, vibe, the kind of music you might find in a David Lynch movie. Atmospheric, a little mind twisting and definitely weird, Bad Stuff's "Bad Stuff" isn't bad at all ... just different.
Give it a listen if you've got a free moment, especially if you've got the aforementioned Mai Tai in hand, and ride the vibe.
For more information, check out https://realbadstuff.bandcamp.com/album/bad-stuff.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
