RedHook Get Raw with Alpha Wolf In Anthem Of Reclamation, ‘Cannibal’
Beyond entertainment and its enthralling and capturing nature, music extends itself as a vessel for discussion, and more so, a chance for individuals to express and share their stories to a wider community at hand- and one that connects deeply. No stranger to this notion, as evident by their steadfast fanbase, RedHook’s latest offering, ‘Cannibal’, is perhaps one of their strongest (and sexiest) singles yet. Employing the help of fellow Aussies, Alpha Wolf, the track is a beautiful juxtaposition of fragility and rawness, giving a glimpse of seductiveness beyond its lustful lens.
At its very core, ‘Cannibal’ is an ode to liberation. Through a discussion of sex and empowerment through a sharing of past assault stories and the expectation to shun one’s sexuality, RedHook have instead twisted the narrative, elucidating the importance of allowing those who have been within such situations to blossom into sexual beings without prejudice or fear of judgment.
Championed by their powerful frontwoman Emmy Mack, she explains the track;
“I wanted to write a song that felt like Nine Inch Nails meets ‘WAP’. An empowering metal anthem that would help me smash some of the stigma and shame around sex that I felt for a long time after surviving SA. Consensual sex is one of the most awesome things in the world! And we’re beyond grateful to the legends in Alpha Wolf for backing this vision, for helping us inject more sexual liberation into the world of heavy music, and above all, for conspiring with us to create a horny metal song about oral sex that people can fuck to.”
Opening with a jolty electronic beat, an image is painted of dark rooms and sweaty clubs, blistering lights and piling bodies. Swiftly, Mack’s vocals enter, sultry and as intoxicating as ever. Laced with a fragility, she assumes the role of temptress within the track, embracing the alluring nature of seductiveness, and taking back her voice of sexuality.
As she leads to the chorus, a rasp and growl takes over- a homage to the darker and more gutsy themes alluded to within the title. As the chorus begins, the first glimpses of Alpha Wolf frontman Lochie Keogh’s gnarly screams not merely peep through, but shatter the cracks. Now with heavy guitar and sizzling snare, the song’s energy is inescapable.
‘Cannibal’ culminates as Emmy directs a snarky call to arms to Lochie, in which he immediately transcends into a hellish and primal display; his own style of liberation.
‘Cannibal’ sees RedHook at their most heavy, sultry, and self-assured yet, and this energy pours outward upon every listen. It also presents one of the hottest collaborations of the year- an intertwinement of Sydney and Melbourne talent that has been a long time coming. More so, it is an impeccable representation of what it means to celebrate empowerment, and one’s own physical and mental growth.
Words by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002
You can catch this new tune on the band’s Breaking Up With Tour, coming to a city near you from August onwards. This is not one to miss!
Stream ‘Cannibal‘ here
