Project Description
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SUFFER THE EVENUE
‘Vol. 2. Superdeader’
EP Review
(19th June 2024)
Review by Bri Steele and Tristan Skell
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Emerging from the heart of South Australia, Suffer The Evenue is a four-piece powerhouse that channels raw energy and excitement straight into the veins of their audience. Formed from the remnants of previous brotherhoods, this band has crafted a unique, dynamic sound that offers a refreshing alternative to the conventional Metal and Alternative acts commonly found in local scenes. Their music retains the violent and powerful essence of the genre while delivering a distinct dominance and individuality that set them apart. Each track showcases a spontaneous infusion of diverse influences, creating a tapestry of sound that is both unique and compelling.
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Suffer The Evenue’s driving force lies in their unwavering devotion and passion for writing, perfecting, and performing their music. Their enthusiasm is palpable and contagious, ensuring their passion remains undiminished. Following the release of their EP “Vol. 1 Superdead”, Suffer The Evenue returns with the anticipated sequel, “Vol. 2 Superdeader”, dropping seven months later. This new release promises to elevate their sound to even greater heights, solidifying their place as a notable and formidable entity in the Metal and Alternative music scene.
Before diving into the EP itself, the cover art of “Vol. 2” immediately grabs attention with its striking image: a drawing of a green bear’s face, missing one of its ears. This follows the artwork of “Vol. 1”, which features the same bear in white with both ears intact. The intriguing continuity between the two covers hints at a narrative progression. For those unfamiliar, Superdead originated from a modified ‘Super Ted’ Halloween costume, transformed into a mangy, malicious-looking dead bear with a fierce attitude. This character has become a signature element of their shows. The band brings the Superdead head to every performance, and for one particular song – the one guaranteed to get the crowd moving – they invite someone from the audience to wear the Superdead head and unleash their inner menace. This tradition not only energises the crowd but also enhances their connection with them.
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The EP’s narrative begins with “Brane Faid”, which kicks in with a satisfying drum sequence. The emphasis on the snare reminds me of all my favourite classic nu metal tracks and as a first time listener, I was immersed immediately. This is a great opener, it’s fun and upbeat and really shines as a follow up from the final song in Vol. 1, “Sea Fang”. Lead vocalist, Nicky Sick Socks, brings a nostalgic set of vocals to this track, singing in a strong, yet playful way that packs a punch with each line delivery. The song ends with a pensive build up, growling vocals with a thrilling guitar riff from El Gran Oso that explode into a spectacularly aggressive final chorus.
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Upon the release of “Vol. 1”, the band dropped a music video for “Sick Crnt”, featuring their mildly demonic Superdead mascot. In the suit is their manager Tim, who has self admittedly taken on the alter ego of the killer bear. The video kicks off with rhythmic clapping, almost reminiscent of Nu-Metal kings Linkin Park in their track “Bleed it Out”. However they have a football-like chant over the clapping, adding their own twist to the idea. Strobing lights illuminate faint writings on what appears to be a blackboard, with rebellious phrases like “SUFFER WAS ERE” and “I WANNA FUCKING TRASH YOUR SHIT.” This builds up to a powerful scream of “Hey!” just as the first riffs hit, accompanied by a flash of their Superdead mascot in red. As the song revels in the listeners ears, Superdead stalks each member of the band psychologically, breaking them mentally, causing them to meet up and let out their anger by jamming out together. With all of his prey in one place, the video ends on a cliffhanger, a shot of the silhouette of the blood-thirsty bear.
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As a follow up for Vol. 2, “A New Empire” brought us to the next phase of the story. After Superdead stalked each of the members to their band room, then splitting off into their own wild goose chases to escape the doomed predator. These videos offer a fantastic glimpse into the band’s uniqueness and charisma, featuring delightful cameos from each member’s children. This adds an authentic and hilarious twist to their personalities. The song itself is a vibrant, playful track, highlighted by captivating guitar solos and a gut-punching bassline. It tells a story of transformation and realisation, exploring the consequences of decisions made along the journey. Themes of growth, change, and the creation of “A New Empire” are central. The lyrics convey introspection and the importance of accepting one’s fate, with emotions ranging from remorse to awakening, underscoring the power of words in shaping destiny.
The third track on this EP, “Pain,” features Tim Bishop, the vocalist from Those Left Behind. The accompanying music video, available on YouTube, showcases a live performance interspersed with fan shots, capturing the energy of the track. “Pain” exudes a grunge and post-hardcore vibe, with Nicky Sick Socks’ and Bishop’s vocals harmonising perfectly. Bishop’s lower gutturals complement Nicky Sick Socks’ slightly higher tones, creating a dynamic vocal interplay. The track is driven by a consistent backbeat and a chunky riff, making it a standout on the EP. At 1 minute and 30 seconds into “Pain”, Nicky Sick Socks channels the iconic sound of Nu-metal giants Limp Bizkit, delivering a performance with a tone that feels like a tribute to Fred Durst himself. He proceeds to build up the grittiness in his vocals before unleashing a powerful scream, just as the slow, intense instrumental pre-chorus kicks in, before finally followed by the chorus with both vocalists taking the reins.
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The final track of “Vol. 2”, titled “Compatible Blood”, delves into themes of betrayal and resentment towards someone who has inflicted deep emotional pain. Vocalist Nicky powerfully conveys feelings of being broken down and manipulated, with a pronounced focus on the enduring hatred for the person responsible. The song captures the internal struggle of wanting to escape a toxic relationship while feeling trapped, blending emotions of anger, despair, and defiance throughout. Throughout the track, Nicky’s Aussie accent shines through, adding a distinct flavour to “Compatible Blood”. The instrumentals and production exude a garage-band feel, delivering a homegrown, raw vibe. Despite this, the song retains its Nu-metal essence with intense, angry lyrics and chunky guitar riffs. This combination creates a powerful, authentic sound that blends fury with a gritty, unpolished edge.
Vol 2. Superdeader has not only established a clear, running theme and style for the band, but it has also only ramped up more excitement for the possibility of a third edition. As Suffer explains, “There are so many different directions we can take this story to finish it off, but we’re pretty confident that what we have planned is going to work really well.” Suffer The Evenue are on a winning streak, with a more distinctive sound that seems to really resonate not only with each member, but the fans too. Many can only speculate what direction we’ll be taken in next. But in the meantime, we are left to wonder about the themes yet to be explored and the fate of this enigmatic bear. The adds an extra layer of excitement to Suffer The Evenue’s unfolding saga.
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Follow SUFFER THE EVENUE
Instagram – Facebook – Linktree
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