Review

HotWax's debut album, Hot Shock, is a blistering testament to the raw vitality coursing through the UK's alternative rock scene. Emerging from Hastings, this trio has crafted a record that channels the gritty essence of '90s alt-rock while injecting a fresh, youthful exuberance that is entirely their own. Co-produced by Catherine Marks and Steph Marziano, Hot Shock captures the band's unrelenting energy with remarkable fidelity. The production strikes a delicate balance between polished precision and the untamed spirit of their live performances, ensuring that each track resonates with authenticity. Tracks like "She's Got A Problem" and "I Wanna Be A Doll" are emblematic of the album's infectious hooks and scuzzy guitar riffs, drawing favourable comparisons to the likes of Wolf Alice and Milk Teeth. The band's ability to oscillate between tightly jagged rhythms and soaring choruses showcases their versatility and command over their craft. Critically, Hot Shock has been met with widespread acclaim. NME lauded it as a "blistering debut from future rock titans," highlighting the band's potential to ascend within the rock hierarchy. Similarly, Clash Magazine praised the album as a "thrilling dose of anarchic alt-rock," underscoring its capacity to captivate and invigorate listeners. Commercially, the album is making significant waves, currently on course for a Top 10 position in the UK charts, a testament to HotWax's burgeoning popularity and the resonant appeal of their sound. In Hot Shock, HotWax has delivered a debut that not only honours the legacy of alternative rock but also propels it forward, marking them as a formidable force in the contemporary music landscape.

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