Last night was the Hot Wax instore at Vinilo Record Store in Southampton, and what a night. Not your usual instore where you get a few songs, they smashed through a nine song setlist, much to the appreciation of those in attendance.
I first saw this three piece perform in a support slot at the Joiners and from the first bent chord was an instant fan. Saw them again last year at the same venue in a headline slot.
They DO NOT disappoint. this was their second to last show on this album instore tour but it could have been their first, the energy they brought. This trio can be described at alternative rock, grunge, punk or post punk band, they cover all bases, you get it all! The vocals go from whispers, to gentle singing, scowling, snarling, screaming at times, it is Jekyll and Hyde rock in a good way and the guitars and drums echo perfectly, if you like bands like Sonic Youth, Pixies and My Bloody Valentine you’ll love this band, your neighbours may not, this is NOT music you play at home without cranking the volume.
Setlist for the instore
She’s Got a Problem
Wanna be a Doll
Strange to be Here
Pharmacy
Lights On
In Her Bedroom
Teeth
One More Reason
Rip it Out
They tore through this set, not with reckless abandon but with smiles on their faces in a musical symbiotic existence, the communication between them all subtle but effective. Alfie and his drums off to the right allowing as much space as was needed for Tallulah and Lola to bring as much of the ‘Hot Wax’ experience to the riser supplied on the night. Alfie and Lola’s rhythm section along with Tallulah’s power chord play provides a great wall of melodic sound. This was broken up with an acoustic guitar for Pharmacy, Lola putting the bass down and picking up Tallulah’s guitar for some added power melodies with Alfie on the shaker interacting with the audience with facial comfort.
@we.will.trampoline.gigs @HotWax at @vinilorecordstore instore last night #livemusic #guitar #hotshock ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Rip it Out by @HotWax at @vinilorecordstore last night in Southampton #livemusic #guitar ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
They finished the night with Rip it Out, a great loud dare I say ‘anthem’ and scream along, it was a quieter affair than normal, but it was an instore, so the carefree attitude on the stage was not reciprocated in the usual way. Hot Wax, Hot Shock, No Shock how Good it was! From seeing them two years ago there is no surprise this guitar band is getting the reviews and followers it does, based on this performance in such a tame environment and past ones in their natural environment, the sky is the limit.
https://www.hotwaxofficial.com
