Though they’re still teenagers, English punk trio HotWax have proven beyond a doubt that they know what they’re doing, and the path ahead is paved for success — and likely also smeared with eyeliner and colorful hair dye. Out of the gate, Lola Sam, Tallulah Sim-Savage, and Alfie Sayers’ powerful sound found an eager audience. The amalgamation of grunge-informed guitar parts, heavy-hitting basslines, and angst-ridden lyrics that draw from the U.K. punks who preceded them, with their unique added flair, has received acclaim from alt icons, including Courtney Love and Karen O. In spite of the inevitable pressure that comes along with releasing a sophomore project after a successful debut, HotWax appear to have pulled off another winner, with attitude and ease.
Read more: 20 greatest punk-rock bassists of all time
In celebration of the new EP, Invite me, kindly, guitarist and vocalist Sim-Savage opened up to AltPress about the tracks that informed and inspired HotWax, shaping them into the punk powerhouse they are today.
Soft Play – “Punk’s Dead”
One of the first gigs I went to. I love the lyrics to this — it’s truly proving that punk is (not) dead.
L7 – “Shitlist”
Me and Lola played it at college. L7 have always been a band that we’ve looked up to. The guitar parts are super cool.
Hole – “Plump”
My mum gave me this album, and then I really started to really get into more guitar music. It really changed things for me. Courtney’s voice and the band’s attitude that comes through in the music have inspired us loads.
Blondie – “I Know But I Don’t Know”
The first song I learned on electric guitar. I would play it nonstop in my room.
The White Stripes – “Blue Orchid”
We love the choppy, stabby guitar and the simplicity and rawness of the production.
Nirvana – “Stay Away”
Feel like with Nirvana, you can pick any song and it’s the greatest, but this one is the one that makes you wanna jump around and scream it! Also, the verse bass is super cool and catchy, and the song builds with extreme force and explodes into an anthem of a chorus.
Demob Happy – “Haat de Stank”
We love Demob Happy so much. The melodies are perfect.
X – “Los Angeles” and Black Flag – “My War”
Alfie learned these at a young age on drums. He would always hear it at the skatepark.
Bad Nerves – “Mad Mind”
Recently we have been so into Bad Nerves. Their music makes us feel so excited, and the melodies are the most catchy thing.
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