Bad Bet have been one of Ontario’s most talked about bands as of late, and there’s no surprise as to why that is. A handful of shows under their belts as a collective, but as individual members these four have been taking over Ontario hardcore for years. Hailing from the province’s Steel City of Hamilton; with members who seem to be loved across the province (Kyle Paterson of Gavel and Kohle Bird of Built on Blood/Scum Collective for example), there was absolutely no doubt this EP was going to be great. With tons of punk, hardcore and metal influence to go around, their Promo 2023 is everything a hardcore kid is going to love and more all in two songs. Bad Bet can also be added to the ever growing list of amazing albums done by Andy Dmytryshyn (School House Studios/Reality Denied). A cheeky little guest feature from Fight On Sight‘s Kenedi Clarysse also sneaks its way into listeners hearts, giving this EP the perfect recipe for success.
Opening up the record is Depiction of Doubt. It’s raw, crunchy, and outright heavy. Listeners are welcomed with slow, anxiety inducing drums while guitar feedback fades into the track perfectly. This will go on for the first twenty-five seconds of the track before vocalist Kyle Paterson lets listeners know really know who they are. Once graced with Patersons signature vocal sound, the song instantly speeds up into what can be best described as a Canadian Turnstile track. Executed perfectly, this track could easily fit onto any Turnstile record pre-Glow On. Ending the track on a strong note, the group drop into a breakdown to close out the song. Nothing complex by any means, but the way it’ll sneak up on listeners will leave them spin-kicking in the middle of their rooms for those final fifteen seconds.
Second and final track of the EP is Perpetual Bliss. This track happens to feature the likes of Kenedi Clarysse of fellow Hamilton act Fight On Sight. Another track that feels like it could fit perfectly on Turnstile‘s amazing discography; it’s obvious where the influence is pulled from on this record. Powerful and rhythmic guitar parts coupled with some pounding bass guitar while catchy drum parts give listeners the perfect track for a quick little two-step. But no need to worry because this entire EP is for all moshers alike. By the time Kenedi makes her presence known, the track slows down a hair for probably the hardest chunk of music out the entire five minute promo. This will be absolute chaos at every show guaranteed. All the while, while barking out some ignorantly heavy lyrics in their signature tone and sounding tight as always, Kenedi leads into the closing breakdown of the track and record perfectly. Not only is this song one to be left on repeat but it is also going to make a perfect addition to any live show Bad Bet plays. You can bet your bottom dollar Bad Bet are going to make quite the name for themselves moving forward.