Feel the energy of HotWax in Nottingham

The trio from Hastings in Sussex hit number one in the UK Record Store Chart number made the UK Top 40 with their debut album Hot Shock. It was named as Rough Trade’s album of the month and earned widespread critical acclaim on its release in March 2025.

HotWax’s debut album followed the release of two critically acclaimed EPs that launched the band trio to ever bigger stages, playing more than 200 live shows in the past 18 months alone including Reading + Leeds, Mad Cool, All Points East and Download, plus support tours with Royal Blood, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Deap Vally and more.

Their stagecraft and energy caught the attention of producer Catherine Marks – who has produced Boygenius and Wolf Alice) at a show in London last summer. Guitarist and lead vocalist Tallulah Sim-Savage said: “It was the sweatiest gig we have ever done – it was really, really packed. Afterwards, Catherine came up to us and said, ‘Oh my god, I need to record your album with you. I want it to sound like the energy in this room. It needs to feel like a party.’”

The album was written throughout the whirlwind of life on the road. Bassist Lola Sam said: “Touring and constantly living in the moment can be chaotic. But there’s also a feeling of knowing that the more life experience we gain, the more fearless we become.”

Childhood friends Sim-Savage and Sam have been writing together since they were 12, before the latter met drummer Alfie Sayers at music college five years later.

In a five-star review, NME said of them: “HotWax’s debut album is full of filthy rock’n’roll that’s made for dancing. That next great guitar band has arrived.” Clash magazine hailed them as “a total inspiration – wicked songwriting, stunning stage presence, and a sheer, raw, couldn’t-give-a-flying attitude that punches you to the gut.”

HotWax play the Rescue Rooms on Wednesday February 11. Visit rescuerooms.com to book.