Self-described as “five anthems for the over-thinker”, Waxflower’s new EP, The Sound Of What Went Wrong is dripping with emotion. Poppy as hell, vibrant and lyrically vulnerable, The Sound Of What Went Wrong might be brief, but it is filled with banger after banger that’ll only make you want even more from the Brisbane pop-punk outfit.
Kicking off with the catchy, bright opener, “Ring”, The Sound Of What Went Wrong is sure to make you feel a bit nostalgic, drawing influence 2000’s neon pop punk. The self-affirming opening track is a feel good bop that perfectly sets the tone for the four songs to follow, including “Soak”, which merges the poppier aspects of “Ring” with heavier guitar riffs. Blending electronic elements to their pop-punk sound is “The Drama Scene”, which perfectly balances glitchy, drum and bass-influenced verses with explosive, guitar heavy choruses.
Rounding out the EP are the final two tracks; the vulnerable “Two Thumbs” and bittersweet love song, “Misaligned Love”. Easily two of the album’s most emotional songs, “Two Thumbs” finds vocalist Tristan Higginson battling with self-deprecating thoughts, declaring, “I guess I hate myself today” while “Misaligned Love” tells the classic story of finding the right person at the wrong time. Lending stunning guest vocals on the track is indie pop/rock songstress Sydney Sprague, who perfectly compliments Higginson’s iconic voice.
Reminding die-hards why they fell in love with the band to begin with and easily making fans out of new listeners, The Sound Of What Went Wrong is a spectacular release from Waxflower, paving the way for (hopefully) a fleshed-out full-length in the future. If this is what they’re able to do with only five songs, then an entire album will only continue to propel the band into the spotlight.
Pre-save The Sound Of What Went Wrong here.