EP Review: The Affair

Auckland’s notorious rock ‘n’ roll party crew Animalhead are back, louder, heavier, and with zero apologies. Their new EP, The Affair, is a five-track blitz of adrenaline-fuelled anthems that blur the lines between modern metal, punk, and groove-laden rock. The lyrics cut deep, the emotion bleeds through every scream, and the riffs hit harder than ever.

After celebrating ten years together in 2024, the trio have sharpened their bear claws. Following the raw energy of their B-Sides EP (2023), the full-length debut (2020), and their cheeky cover of Kiwi pub classic Bliss, Animalhead spent 2024 dropping singles D42 and Lizard Eyes, both setting the stage for their fiercest work yet.

The Affair

The EP’s title track opens with a haunting pre-intro before tearing straight into controlled chaos. A discordant groove and modern metal edge build the tension as Campbell Mikell’s vocals tear through the mix, joined by Danny Rookes finely tuned and finessed drum chops and Josh OBrien’s syncopated, low rumbling riffing. The bridge drops into a staggered groove, half-time heaviness and twisted vocal interplay giving serious core vibes. Dark, menacing, and musically unhinged, The Affair is pure catharsis. She had affairs with razor blades, screams volumes!

D42

With its blistering video and unstoppable momentum, D42 is Animalhead turned up to eleven. From the frantic drum intro to the punk-meets-modern-rock ferocity, it’s an instant earworm. Campbell & Danny’s vocals shine, soaring to next-level, alternating between guttural aggression, ethereal melody, and distorted punk sneer. The Jekyll-and-Hyde vocal interplay defines this track, while Danny channels T Barker-esque fills that drive the intensity forward.

Rumours

Released mid-2025, Rumours amplifies the classic Animalhead sound, massive, chunky guitars, soaring vocals, and explosive energy. Campbell’s clean hooks collide with Danny’s unclean grit, creating a powerful back-and-forth dynamic. The final chorus shifts into glorious half-time, the kind that demands a headbang or three. It has the hooks, the melody but like many of the tracks, an overall symphony of heavy energy.

Lizard Eyes

After a burst of guitar-effect wizardry, Lizard Eyes charges out the gate with a swaggering half-time groove. Funk beats collide with punk licks, it’s wild, dirty, and dangerously catchy. I love the Tom Morello inspired guitar lick, creating an arsenal fused with Rage-style energy. Danny’s spitfire verses and Campbell’s melodic counterpunch create electric tension that peaks in a filthy, glorious breakdown. Animalhead’s knack for sharp arrangements, twists, stops, instrumental breaks, keeps every second unpredictable.

Radio

Radio might just be Animalhead’s crown jewel. It’s a riotous, no-filter blend of funk metal swagger and down-tuned heaviness. Danny De La Roca preaches his vocal sermon over a raw guitar and drum track before the bass locks in. The song then progresses into groove-metal feel, with Campbell delivering soaring, chant-ready choruses. As the track descends into its crushing outro, with a constant but mesmerising, chug metal riff, both voices intertwine, with Danny’s vocals preaching in aggression and Campbells vocal chants singing across the airwaves, making for a climactic finale: You can’t have my soul
The Lyrics certainly speak volumes and I am here for it!

Produced and mixed by the legendary Zorran Mendonsa, The Affair captures Animalhead’s live ferocity while adding polish and precision. The mix is punchy yet organic, highlighting Campbell’s monstrous riffs and songwriting, a razor-tight Rooke and O’Brian rhythm section, and the most dynamic vocals of their career. It’s a statement record: raw, refined, and unapologetically Animalhead.

So crank it loud, catch them live, and get some Animalhead in ya.