HEADED FOR DISASTER - BIG RED FIRE TRUCK - SINGLE REVIEW
- Kaylah Chilcott
- Sep 21, 2025
- 3 min read
It’s pretty easy to get lost in the world of genres, so many, particularly in the heavier scene, can be solemn and melancholic - while BIG RED FIRE TRUCK are just out here trying to have a good time! Their 80s influenced vocals, sharp guitar tones, and bright visuals, the Sydney rockers are reminding us that heavy music can still be glamorous and fun.
BIG RED FIRE TRUCK (let’s roll with BRFT) is lead by Digby Robinson - singer, songwriter, professional wrestler, the usual. Spurred on by the likes of Van Halen, The Darkness and AC/DC, BRFT are leaving their mark in the Australian scene, having released their first EP since 2023, HEADED FOR DISASTER on September 5th. for now, we are going to have a closer look at title track.
The opening riffs to ‘HEADED FOR DISASTER’ definitely place the genre where intended - jutted 80s guitar followed by layering of instruments in a more gradual build with wicked lead lines. The chugging picking to a stepping down lead line creates a sense of urgency, that is soon followed up by the building pre-chorus and TASTY lead lines that showcase Robinson’s vocals.
Speaking of, Robinson’s vocals are impressive! I can’t imagine that nearly operatic vocal technique is easy - it does make me immediately think of 80s hard rock and metal, especially prog acts. His top end range is amazing, and it is what really ties the sound and aesthetic together. While his voice is really well refined, I’d love to see if Robinson decides to eventually put a different spin on it as BRFT continue to make music.
I know I said BRFT are fun - and they are, but we can still have fun while we sing about toxic relationships ‘HEAD(ING) FOR DISASTER’!
Right?
What is more cathartic than singing along about a toxic ex or friend while bopping around the living room while you’re doing the vacuuming?
Drumming is pretty standard as far as hard rock goes, following a straight beat as their baseline throughout the song, spruced with frequent fills and cymbal splashes for spice. And to be totally honest, this is exactly what the song needS. As much as sometimes we want every single aspect of a song to be super impressive and stand alone - you will just end up with a muddy and too busy mix. BRFT’s use of resources and space is effective, The mixing has been done really well and the track is so balanced as a result.
One of my favourite things about this song is how wide the guitar solo sounds, it’s spicey and crisp, but still has space for the bass guitar and drums to shine through underneath without losing it’s own spotlight. The solo turns a little heavier - and I like this look on BRFT!
'HEADED FOR DISASTER' is certainly aN UPBEAT tone setter FOR THE REST OF THE EP! BIG RED FIRE TRUCK are doing exactly what they set out to achieve and (in my opinion) are perfectly aligning themselves with their desired genre, while giving it an Australian hard rock flair.
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