Track-by-Track: HeadAche Hash Out Their EP ‘Something More’

In their near-decade together, the members of HeadAche have shown a great willingness to adapt and grow. You’ll notice that, particularly on their brand new EP Something More. Forming in early 2015, singers and guitarists Michael Button and Johnny Bannister sought a more rock-oriented sound in the early going. The English duo wrote more punk-flavoured material inspired by Ramones, Green Day, and blink-182. By 2021, HeadAche had started experimenting with different sounds, specifically electronic music. They began to incorporate more electronic music and hip-hop into their songs. This evolution was apparent in their sophomore album, SpacePunk, released in May 2022.

With the recent release of Something More, the band has concocted a wild blend of punk, hip-hop, R&B, and heavy metal. The record features distorted power chords raging over swift electronics. Then there’s the angsty vocals provided by Button and Bannister, who alternate between catchy melodies, smooth rapping, and vigorous screaming. The lyrics are, at times, profane or profound. But it all adds up to an energetic and, at times, chaotic sound.

Button and Bannister join us today for an exclusive Track-by-Track rundown of Something More. They describe the songs in detail, the idea behind them, and their execution.

1. “AfterParty”

Johnny Bannister: “‘AfterParty’ is influenced by the rock music Michael Jackson and Prince created in the ’80s and ’90s. In my eyes, they rocked so much harder than glam metal or whatever you want to call it. They made sweaty, funky, soulful rock songs that you could actually dance to. The lyrics are partly inspired by Frank Miller’s Sin City. I’m obsessed with comic books, and it often creeps into my writing.”

Michael Button: “We chose this one as the single because it perfectly represents the HeadAche sound. It’s hard-hitting but also beautifully poppy, and the lyrics tell a great story as well.”

2. “Higher”

Button: “‘Higher’ is a fast-paced and energetic punk rock tune and one that I can’t wait to play live. It’s influenced by bands such as Green Day and blink-182 and is all about finding happiness and love in a place you never thought you could. I love the upbeat nature of it, and how the song itself almost exudes confidence. It’s poppy but also kind of heavy, and I really like how it bridges that divide.”

Bannister: “We spent quite a lot of time working on the intro to this track. There’s a whole different bunch of guitar riffs all playing at once along with a load of synths and samples from space transmissions and old hip hop records.”

HeadAche ‘Something More’ album artwork

3. “Back In Time”

Button: “‘Back In Time’ is such a cool track. Lyrically, the song reminisces over past optimism and the beauty of being able to recapture that feeling. In a way, it encapsulates how I feel about creating music with these guys. This band is like a time machine to more carefree days. Musically, the song contains an awesome stylistic mix, with country rock, hip hop/rap metal, and pop punk all in there. It’s kind of like a happy Linkin Park on steroids. This track has insane repeat value for me; every time I play it, I want to hear it again!”

Bannister: “The second verse was originally a lot different; I rewrote it to make it more personal. This song to me sounds very youthful and summery, it reminds me not to dwell on regrets and instead keep myself rooted in the present moment.”

4. “Crystallising”

Bannister: “‘Crystallising’ is a song for anyone who felt like they were going to be stuck in a dark place forever but can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s about that spark of relief and gratitude that comes over you when you begin to experience clarity of mind and soul. I was listening to arena rock and space rock, music like Pink Floyd, U2, and Radiohead, groups that have this very big euphoric sound.”

Button: “I get such a huge, emotional, stadium-rock vibe from ‘Crystallising.’ I love how the simplicity of the rhythm and lead guitar interaction drives the whole song.”

5. “Something More”

Button: “‘Something More’ led us to a more experimental place than maybe we expected, but it turned out to be so cool. The song utilizes orchestral instruments, which we’ve never really done before, and they bring so much power. That was Johnny’s idea and I love it. I was influenced by bands like Angels & Airwaves when writing, and I really tried to hit that euphoric, epic, almost psychedelic sound. Lyrically, it’s about love, hope and gratitude – a song for anyone who feels they’ve entered a bright new chapter of life.”

Bannister “We ended up naming the whole EP after this song. The intro was something we did on our first day of recording, (bassist) Jay (Majer) laid down the bassline, I came up with the orchestral part and then Michael came in with the electric guitar. It was the first time the three of us had composed together like that in years.”

6. “In The Dark”

Bannister “‘‘In The Dark’ was based around an instrumental written by our bassist Jay. Jay has a history of playing in extreme metal bands and can always be counted on to write riffs that really rock. This song takes me back to when we started as a hardcore punk band, and we would do shows at people’s houses and in these dingy bars, and our goal was always to play as loud and as fast as we could with as much energy and aggression as possible.”

Button: “The songs where Jay writes the instrumental are always my favourite. He has an incredible knack for creating badass riffs. This one rocks so hard, and I love the ending. It feels like the entire EP exploding into one big crescendo.”