Brighton alt-rock duo WREX have delivered one of their most intense releases to date with the arrival of their long-awaited new EP SADWORLD, a five-track collection that fuses raw emotion with crushing riffs, electronic textures and unapologetic vulnerability.
WREX
Comprised of vocalist Mae Seaton and guitarist/co-vocalist George Donoghue, WREX continue to carve out a distinct identity within the UK’s alternative scene, balancing nu-metal aggression with punk energy and emotionally charged songwriting. SADWORLD pushes deeper into themes of anxiety, uncertainty and self-doubt, but crucially never loses sight of resilience and hope beneath the distortion.
The EP arrives following a string of increasingly high-profile releases and relentless touring, with recent singles 111, Paranoia and Consume helping build momentum around the Brighton pair. 111 in particular captures the volatile energy that defines WREX at their best, combining jagged guitars and pounding rhythms with Seaton’s commanding vocal performance.
Meanwhile, Paranoia showcased another side to the band, pairing its dark lyrical undercurrent with cinematic visuals directed by award-winning filmmaker Dogbrain, known for work with acts including Wargasm and South Arcade. Handing over creative control for the first time appears to have paid off, with the video expanding WREX’s already striking visual identity.
Since forming in Brighton in 2020 after reconnecting years after first meeting on a night out, Seaton and Donoghue have steadily built a reputation as one of the UK underground’s most exciting emerging acts. Their 2024 debut EP This Hell Goes A Long Way Down tackled themes including panic attacks, social disconnection and childhood trauma, laying the foundations for the heavier and more confident SADWORLD.
What makes WREX particularly compelling is their refusal to stay confined to one sound. Elements of alternative rock, metal, electronic music and punk collide throughout their material, often within the same song. That unpredictability is becoming a defining characteristic of the duo, and SADWORLD feels like the moment where their creative ambitions fully click into place.
The band’s growing reputation on the live circuit has also played a huge role in their ascent. After spending much of 2025 touring extensively across the UK alongside acts including The Hunna and Hacktivist, WREX have built a loyal following through explosive performances and a relentless DIY work ethic. Their inclusion on this year’s Bloodstock Festival lineup marks another significant milestone for the duo as they continue their rise through the alternative ranks.
With SADWORLD, WREX prove they are more than just another heavy band emerging from the south coast. There is emotional depth beneath the chaos, and a genuine sense of catharsis running through every track.
WREX
Upcoming UK Live Dates:
MAY
23rd – Cursus Festival, Dorset
JUNE
15th – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
27th – The Pig, Hastings
JULY
17th – Blondies, London
24th – Hammerdown Festival, Worthing
31st – The Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham
AUGUST
1st – Bay Days Festival, Chelmsford
7th – Club 85, Hitchin
8th – Rebellion Festival, Blackpool
8th – Bloodstock Festival, Derbyshire
SEPTEMBER
3rd – Burn It Down Festival, Torquay
5th – Loud Women Festival, London
12th – Lumiere Cinema, Romford (short film and Q&A appearance)
OCTOBER
10th – Brickmakers, Norwich
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