The Rex Wicked

Making quite an impression throughout the Melbourne live scene in the last 12 months is rock outfit The Rex Wicked. After a slew of successful shows under their collective belts, the band have ventured into the studio, with their self-titled EP a rock solid example of the young groups talents.
Kill Your Memory is a slow burning start to the EP with vocalist / guitarist Brendan West trading off with keyboardist Bevan May in melodic fashion, before the remainder of the band provide the remaining piece of the puzzle in the musical sense. Overall there’s a definite Muse-like feel within the track, but it’s with Happiness, Love & Peace where the band throw off any preconceptions about their influences with a more straight forward sounding pop / rock approach over the former's bombastic style.
One Moment is a perhaps the rawest track on offer with the voclaist stripping away the melodic edge of his vocals in favour of a more husky like aggressive stance (which is also apparent with the heavier guitar dominated music backing him), while the EP’s final track, Life In Your Hands, has May’s keyboards taking on the spotlight in an otherwise rocking send off.
As an added extra, The Rex Wicked have included two bonus live tracks recorded earlier this year. The first is an extended version of the EP track Happiness, Love & Peace, with the last track being the full on rocker Street Lover.
At times it’s hard to just figure out exactly what The Rex Wicked are trying to be genre wise, but it matters little when you realise that every track has one thing in common – they rock. With their debut EP in hand, and plans to tour further interstate in the coming months, The Rex Wicked are certainly in for an interesting time ahead.
JUSTIN DONNELLY


- Beat Magazine

Melbourne band The Rex Wicked kicked off the night and they pledged to blow the roof off. They would have come close. Despite the tiny crowd, Spectrum was thrashed by the intense heavy metal sounds of this fiery and cohesive outfit. The frontman was a melting pot of angst, passion and rage, giving his all vocally and delivering an animated performance. The keyboard player was a definite highlight and his classical and dynamic skill added depth and atmosphere. His keys were especially striking when the band merged into more melodic punk rock. The chemistry between the members was well-defined, and their on stage antics and instrumental harmonies were at times dramatic and theatrical. They are certainly on the rise and have their CD launch in Melbourne this week. - Jager Uprising

"...They … were positively, erm, electrifiying, and easily one of the highlights of the day… The Rex Wicked… added a touch of edginess to the rock proceedings of the day…whilst The Rex were just ******* astounding. The perfect mix of light and heavy, they displayed a knack for creating some of the most sonically creative, and downright ******* awesome, sounds of the day." – Jaymz Clements - Beat Magazine

11/05/05

The Rex Wicked also put on a great show. Harking back to Radio Birdman with their keyboards adding the frills. The singer has a strong voice that is full of conviction. The voice channels Kurt Cobain, at times it was a bit eerie. The band works hard to create a presence, plenty of movement and purpose.
Some really strong tunes had me down the front paying attention. The crowd was into it as well. Classic rock sounds, Nirvana, Radio Birdman you can’t ask for more.
A band with a future. We will feature them again soon.

Niel Wedd - Impress, Jager Uprising

23/06/05

The Rex Wicked had a huge crowd (over 100 payers) and they packed down the front. The singer was rapt as it was the last night of exams and he was ready for a blinder. The elements were all there and the band proceeded to rock. They are a five piece with keyboard added to the usual suspects. The play a bright brand of pumping rock with one song, the most memorable having a Radio Birdman surf feel. The keyboards really made that song stand out and the desperation that the band played with was a winner. The attitude of the guys, especially in front of a big audience is great. Mind you, what's not to love having the audience out of your hand. The deserved and got an encore. We have added them to our first Jager Hot Shots gig at the Evelyn on Friday July 22.
Neil Wedd - Inpress, Jager Uprising