Spinewhip – ‘Headache’ single review

Nothing beats the feeling of hearing new music from a band who hasn’t released a song since 2023. That band is Spinewhip and their new song ‘Headache’ is testimony to the time the band has taken to hone their craft prior to this release.

Where their previous release ‘Treason’ was a mix of guttural growls followed by a chorus of clean vocals, ‘Headache’ has a mix of electronic beats, rock and nu metal elements. The song shifts between styles and tones, keeping you engaged as a listener. This song is fast from the very start and keeps the momentum throughout. The initial guitar buildup before deep throaty screams are released reflects the bands statement of “high energy, low mood”. With lyrics that say “did you really think I was better than this?” you’ll feel the emotional pull of the song. When the song shifts thirty-three seconds in you’ll feel yourself involuntarily head banging to the deep, melodic strums of the guitar.

The band, who hail from Brighton in the United Kingdom, describe themselves as modern nu-metal. You’re able to hear the inspirational elements of Sleep Token and Bring Me The Horizon in ‘Headache’ as our vocalists softly whisper to us and then whiplash us back into screams. “This won’t hurt a bit” you’re told, right before you're exposed to a long, straight throaty scream that seems to go on effortlessly. Spoken elements of the song, where the vocalists’ British accent come through, give the song a more personal feel.

The single art ties in beautifully with the song as it portrays a human skull shattering into pieces against a black background. Written elements appear as though on an old VHS tape. The release date in the bottom right corner is cleverly placed and camouflaged into the VHS style. The artwork ties together both the name of the song and the feelings you experience as you listen – nostalgic, but also ever changing, akin to an old tape that may skip or malfunction at any time.

Band members Jade Ryder and Dylan Mooney present as hard-working and passionate about building up independent bands like their own. In a caption posted to their Instagram on December 8th 2024 the band wrote “it is so important to keep supporting independent bands, especially in this current climate”. The band engage with fans across their social media platforms and demonstrate a passion for music and a drive to succeed.

Check out their music on Youtube, Apple Music or Spotify, but make sure you maintain appropriate distance from others in case the involuntary head-banging sets in. We're hoping this release furthers the bands current success and inspires them to release more new music in 2025.