Wax Head Share 5 Bands from Manchester to Check Out

If chaos had a soundtrack, it would sound a lot like Wax Head. The Manchester-based psych-punk juggernaut are back with a vengeance, dropping their feral new single ‘Terminal Sinker’ via cult label Sour Grapes, just as they tear through a 19-date UK/EU headline tour. Fronted by drummer-vocalist Lewis Fletcher, this four-piece specialize in blistering, riff-heavy sonic assaults that leave sweat-soaked crowds in euphoric ruins—and occasionally kick drums in pieces.

With a live rep that borders on mythic, co-signs from So Young and Clunk, and a sonic lineage tracing back to Osees and Ty Segall, Wax Head are rapidly cementing their place at the frontlines of the UK’s psych-punk insurgency.

‘Terminal Sinker’, a raw two-minute punch to the jugular, is the band at their most untethered—both a personal purge and a full-throttle mission statement. We caught up with Wax Head to discuss their favourite bands for everyone to check out in Manchester, here is how it went down:

Westside Cowboy (Archie)

A band worth checking out is our good friends Westside Cowboy, have had the pleasure of seeing them a few times and watching one of their first gigs at the White Hotel in Salford last year. They always put on an amazing show and are incredibly talented musicians, I’d recommend anyone who gets a chance to go and check out one of their shows.

Wondrous Planet (Harry)

More on the anti-music side of Manchester - perfect if you’re into some weirder sounds à la ranting over heavy drones, keys and improvisational free-jazz style drumming. Needs to be seen live, although their shows are a rarity.

SLAP RASH (Lewis)

My choice of Manchester based band is relentless, chaotic and melodic 2 piece SLAP RASH. Every single time I see them they put more than 100% into the live show, their show leaves you confused on how you could experience such intense frequencies from only 2 people. Amelia’s drumming is some of the most tasteful I’ve heard, mixed in with fluid fills and gorgeously written lyrics, she is the best lyricist I know by far. Huw’s stage presence is INSANE, that bass becomes an extra limb for him. He is the most imaginative riff writer and when the two are on stage, the crowd need to be ready for BIG BEATS AND BIG RIFFS!

Fruit Tones (Evan)

A prime example of ingenuity and individuality in the modern Manchester scene. The blend of sweet and fruity symbolism finely diced with rock ‘n’ roll is a tasty mixture that would give the Rolling Stones a run for their money. In a clever juxtaposition the Fruit’s music can often be very personal, for example the song ‘I Don’t Speak a Language’ ironically, perfectly communicates the relatable feeling of being misunderstood. Another example would be Pink Wafer Factory’s take on the humdrum routine of a 9-5, all from the perspective of a begrudged confectionary packer.

This being said the Fruit Tones are in my opinion one of the most interesting and beguiling bands to come out of Manchester.

Holly Head

Scattergun punk band with the most locked in rhythm section. They have just two songs out so far but they are hits, one of which was written in a jail cell. There are layers to this shit people! Very intense live show too, a must see