We were all in for a Hot Shock at Rough Trade – with their debut album blistering its way through the charts, HotWax took us on a sonic rollercoaster of noise...
We’ve literally and figuratively reached the end of the rainbow here in Hockley. Forget the rays of sunshine; the weather is foreshadowing the eclectic energy on this midday showing, that’s for certain, yet it seems to dim in comparison to the eagerly awaiting band's attitude. HotWax appeared upon the painted cobbles of Broad Street to thank the queue in advance. They’re more than just a buzz-worthy name, and guitarists Tallulah Sim-Savage and Lola Sam’s wonderstruck awe at the turnout was worth the ticket cost itself.
Inside the concaved calamity that is the Rough Trade loft, the eager masses gather like moths to a flame – only this time, the flame is made of pure, unrelenting noizzze. We’re squeezed in pretty tight. Considering their debut album Hot Shock only dropped less than 24 hours prior, it’s a testament to their sound.
If you take a look around, you’ll find yourself brushing shoulders with an enthusiastically earmuffed child sitting upon her dad’s shoulders, or a lovely couple strolling in from their pre-show coffee and club sandwich. There is a cluster people brandishing neon hair and star-splattered eyeliner practising their head banging in the confined space, and it’s in this moment that you realise this is what live music is all about. Music is not just about hitting the right notes, it is about resonating with every single one.
The set opened with She’s Got a Problem, immediately setting the tone with an unbridled release of all reason. Each thundering drum beat, courtesy of the audaciously driven Alfie Sayers, and distorted guitar riff has the audience invested – if they haven't taken their morning coffee, the PA system has certainly got the adrenaline coursing through their veins.
A knack for pairing catchy vocal melodies with gritty instrumentation really shines through on Wanna Be A Doll. Lola stampedes her way through the track on a dirty bassline, her feet following as she parades around the stage in might. Strange To Be Here gives us a further snapshot of the ‘90s alternative scene, the HotWax signature stamped all over it; blending their feedback and drum fills between tracks gives us that sense of suspension, and we’re left wondering when we can and cannot clap. The band's ability to take what is familiar and inject their own twist is what makes their sound truly exhilarating.
“It feels so good to have our album out finally!” Tallulah echoes our own cheers, arming herself with an acoustic guitar. “It means a lot you grabbed your coffee and came down to this dark cave on such a sunny day.”
An acoustic version of Pharmacy is a perfect reminder that HotWax aren’t just a rock band throwing noise at the wall; they’re musicians with a deeper range, capable of surprising their audience when you least expect it. With Alfie adding a new texture to the percussion, you can find various groups of friends and partners with their hands held in apt appreciation.
Remember the hand banging enthusiasts I mentioned earlier? They brilliantly deliver on Rip It Out. The song has already proven itself as a fan favourite, and with the audience shouting every word back at the band, this sense of community in this moment is palpable. HotWax have a way of making every show feel like an invitation to something bigger – they invite you into chaos, to joy, and to shared experiences.
Meeting the band afterwards only solidified this unity; this understanding that they’re not just an up-and-coming, hot shot band.
HotWax performed at Rough Trade Nottingham on 8th March 2025.
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