Release of the Week 27/2: WAAX ‘FU’
From Brisbane’s ever efflorescent rock scene, WAAX is modernising the ruthless aggression of punk rock. After hitting the airwaves with ‘Labrador’, the band are looking to make 2019 their biggest year so far. With an album and tour announcement on the horizon, they have released a brand new single, ‘FU’. Written, recorded and produced alongside legendary Powderfinger front man Bernard Fanning and Grammy-winning producer Nick DiDia (Springsteen, RATM & Pearl Jam), the track truly rocks.
The track is heavily placed in the punk genre, with rough lyrics, heavy instrumentation and raw production. The lyrics tell a story of heartbreak and modern day emotions, but without being soppy or overwrought. Lead singer Maz opens up about her personal life, but in an empowering way. Her vocals at times soar with emotion at the high end and plummet in angst at the low end. Imbued with all the anger of the finest of punk vocalists, Maz’s voice is a refreshing sound in these days of post-punk revival. Her story is blunt, with lines like “when I run to you, you walk on me” and “you know I’m just as broken as I’ve always been, exploit me” depicting Maz as complicated and troubled like most millennials are. However, it is the chorus that takes the story from self-loathing to rebellious triumph, exemplified in the opening line “nobody hurts me, so fuck you for trying.” The instrumentation compliments this perfectly. The hard drum beat and chugging guitar riff in the verse emphasises the lyrics before ramping up in the pre-chorus, building the energy while creating a grungy atmosphere. This all leads to the chorus, which is kicked off by four heavy down strokes of the distorted guitar that mimic the head-banging tone of the song. It is loud, busy and passionate, the way punk rock should be.
