Tangerang (Indonesia) trio Waxtape have been playing music for eight years, and now finally release their debut album, A Million Stars, a ten-song cassette with all songs sung in English. I stumbled upon it on Bandcamp, and what immediately drew me in was how completely out of place Waxtape seem in 2026. This is a band trying to recreate a ’90s sound, and somehow they’ve made me realize just how much I missed it.
The punch and energy are pure punk rock, but there’s a pop sensibility in the songwriting and an emo heart underneath it all. These are songs about loneliness, doubt, regret and trying to find your way through life. There’s plenty of darkness, but also a recurring sense of hope, light and connection. You know, all the stuff that makes being a human being such a complicated business.
In their approach, Waxtape evoke early Gameface, Samiam, Big Drill Car and the guitar work of Stephen Egerton in ALL. It’s always a good thing when a new band makes you remember why you fell for a certain sound in the first place. Waxtape did exactly that for me. Thanx, Waxtape!
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp