HotWax @ Future Yard, Birkenhead, UK, 9 April 2024

HotWax, Trout, Aziya

HotWax @ Future Yard, Birkenhead, UK, 9 April 2024,

April 14, 2024
By Andy Von Pip
Photo by Andy Von Pip
Web Exclusive

Hotwax: Blazing a Grunge Trail Through Birkenhead

Forget Seattle, Hastings is the new breeding ground for grunge! Warm candle, a hugely talented young trio led by the ferocious Tallulah Sim-Savage (vocals/guitar), stormed Future Yard in Birkenhead, proving why they're one of the UK's hottest live acts right now. Already sharing stages with big names (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Strokes, QOTSA, Royal Blood), tonight was their headline night, and they didn't disappoint.

This was not your average concert. Their set, part of DIY's Now and Next showcase, hit with raw power. Sim-Savage's vocals were a raucous grunge roar, channeling Hole and Nirvana, while the blistering guitar licks set the place on fire (not literally – though more on that later). The rhythm section, Lola Sam (bass) and Alfie Sayers (drums), were tighter than a Tory government's fiscal policy (but a lot more fun) and together, they tore through a list of gray anthems such as 'Tell Me Everything's Alright' , “Dry Our Love”, “Treasure” and the smashing “Drip”. It was pure, unadulterated energy and the crowd certainly showed their approval.

Speaking of fire, the venue's alarm did a surprise – earlier in the evening, no wonder with HotWax in the house – But that couldn't dampen the electrifying atmosphere.

However, the night wasn't just about HotWax. The bill was brilliantly crafted. Liverpool-based Trout brought a live sound that has really evolved, justifying the interest of taste label Chess Club Records. And London's Aziya delivered a stellar set – witty, stylish and full of fantastic tunes. It breathed fresh life and a modern perspective into the often dull-as-water plodding indie genre, proving that new music is alive and kicking.

It's never been harder for new artists to break through, but if you think all the great music has already been created, HotWax and the rest of this lineup have arrived and proved otherwise. Forget nostalgia for a night and head to a base area. Experience the raw energy, the thrill of discovery and the rush of that post-concert high – which, after all, is what live music is all about.

HotWax Set List

Tell me everything is okay

Telephone machine

Treasure

Dress up our love

Fall

Lights on

In her bedroom

e Level

One thousand times

High tea

Tear it up