Wax Heart Solidarity are a Darlington-based post-punk and garage rock band who have just hit my radar thanks to the release of their debut, self-titled EP. With four tracks that showcase the different sides of the band’s sound, it’s an essential getting to know you record.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Austin Tweddle all italics
Wax Heart Solidarity are a band who like to let their music do the talking for them. Their faces hidden behind masks, they are something of a Gothic mystery. Forming late in 2019, they’ve caught the attention of BBC Introducing on Radio Tees and Newcastle, BBC 6 Music and Amazing Radio. They performed at Whitby Goth Fest, Stockton Calling and Waves Festival, and toured with Walt Disco. This EP is the culmination of their early career.
The EP opens with Funny Games. It’s a rousing start with big riffs, urgent bass and drums, and some soaring pleading locals. With their sound, Wax Heart Solidarity combine the sound of ’80s Goth with modern rock to create something that really gets you feeling. With this opening gambit, you can immediately see why the band are getting the attention that they are.
Live, Laugh, Love takes things in a gentler direction without losing any of the moodiness that was created by Funny Games. There’s a meditative introspection to its tone which is amplified by its cathartic chorus. Lick Skin / Taste Win picks up the pace with a juddering guitar riff and some bright licks. It shows the heavier side of Wax Heart Solidarity’s sound and is a highlight.
The EP closes with Shine. It’s a slow burning number that unfolds over five minutes. Haunting vocalisations and fuzzy guitar set the early pace before we enter a doom-laden, bluesy groove where the band stretch their sound to the absolute limit. It’s an experimental end to the EP that leaves you hungry or more. I’ve no doubt that Wax Heart Solidarity will satiate that hunger soon.
Wax Heart Solidarity was recorded and produced by Stephen Bardgett at the Green Dragon Studios in Stockton. You can give it a listen below.