Shark Eyes Release New Single “Bad Day”

Shark Eyes are back with their latest single “Bad Day”. It is angsty. It is brute. The chord progressions are groovy, the drums pack a punch and all in all, this track truly does a great job at embodying how it feels to have a really bad day, except this track is not bad at all - it’s gritty, it’s catchy and it’s certainly a satisfying listen. 

“Bad Day” adopts elements of nu-metal and hardcore, borderlining post-hardcore; Delving into themes of despair, ultimately gut-sinking frustration and unwavering bona fide anger - lyrically speaking something many of us can relate to, but often feel alone in. The rawness of these lyrics, so candidly expressing the harsh reality many of us face dealing with negative/unwanted thoughts, is almost comforting to hear. 

Subsequent to the band’s formation 2023, nu-metal powerhouse Shark Eyes set out to release their debut song “Synthetic Obliteration” in 2024, shortly following that with the hardcore gem that is “Parasite”. These guys well understand the definition of “quality over quantity”, with their two prior releases successfully concreting them as tight, talented contenders within the Australian heavy music scene. With Ryan Guilfoyle on lead vocals, Jack Dowie on drums, Tabs on guitar and vocals and Reece Grant on bass and guitar, this killer lineup from rural North Queensland ought not be missed. Reece and Tabs also produced the track “Bad Day”.

Tabs’ epic vocal distortions accompany commanding instrumentals, swiftly breaking into a killer rap fusion with raw lyricism to match within the verses. The first verse kicks in again with him.

“Just another bad day with the voices and noises

I’m fueled off the pain 

Now I’m nauseous

It’s all buried in my head with the sickness,

Now I’m trapped in the hands of your weakness."

Ryan’s voice intensely continues where Tabs leaves off, “Agony, why is this happening to me?” The question rumbles over hardcore drum patterns and hefty guitar melodies building into a bellowing breakdown. Tensions rise, leading into one of the lines that stood out to me most. Ryan growls, “No one hears my pleas,” furthering, “They’ll pay attention when they feel the pain I feel.” 

The Shark Eyes crew strip it back for a moment for us to calibrate, an eerie yet peaceful calm in the storm following the intense kinetic energy all throughout the first half of this track. This bit is certainly a highlight of mine - an integral piece of this track, keeping us shoulder-deep in anticipation. 

In good time, the track “Bad Day” picks up again where they left off in terms of that sky-high intensity, continuing in a similar fashion to the familiar sounds of the first verse and what followed on from that. Lyrically, the timing switches up in some spots, which I think added a very nice touch. 

Peaking in the final breakdown, Shark Eyes did not hold back the brute. The guitars reach a whole new level and Jack gives us a chuffed double kick on the drums. Reece’s bass playing glues it all together. No complaints on the instrumentals from me -  This is going to keep playing on repeat in my head for the next two months. With one last guttural “EUGHHH”, the track comes to a tight close.

Overall, this track is incredibly dynamic and keeps me interested all the way through. This song is one you will want to add to your playlists, and it’s certainly a track you won’t be skipping. “Bad Day” by Shark Eyes is exceedingly catchy with every replay and after just a few, I have found myself banging my head along and mouthing the words to it every time. 

I did find the vocals a little unclear in some spots, where I couldn’t quite work out the lyrics without reference but besides that, I thought this was a really tight track that I will certainly be adding to my personal playlist. It sounds nostalgic and reminiscent of OG nu-metal sounds, yet sounds so fresh and exciting! I’d highly recommend this to any lovers of nu-metal, hardcore, post-hardcore, and good Aussie music in general. “Bad Day” as well as Shark Eyes’ other tracks may also appeal to deathcore fans.

"Bad Day" will be released on all streaming services for our ears to feast upon the 14th of April at 9pm AEST. You can listen to the new track by Shark Eyes on Spotify here.

If this sounds like your cup of tea and you are needing a new band to obsess over (or needn’t miss out on), hop on the Shark Eyes bandwagon ASAP! I certainly have, and I’m keen to see what the crew have in store for us next! 

7.5/10.