Welcome back to This Week on Wax, your go-to guide for the absolute best new sounds waiting to spin on your turntable.
This week, we are diving into a selection of records that are all about raw, unfiltered evolution. We have got a beautifully moody step into the dark from one of bedroom pop’s brightest stars, a high-velocity jungle rebirth that will completely transform your living room, and a massive, emotional reunion from one of the most beloved pop punk bands of the last decade.
Dust off your slipmat and let us take a look at what you should be bringing home.
Gracie Abrams - Daughter From Hell
If you thought Gracie Abrams was only about delicate bedroom whispers, her third album, Daughter From Hell, is here to completely rewrite the script. This time, she takes us into a much darker, gothic-coded headspace, trading her usual pastel shades for something brilliantly moody and cinematic. It is an open, raw look at growing up, fraying your parents' nerves, and figuring out how to heal your own wounds.
The sound here is absolutely gorgeous, built on delicate acoustics and lush, cinematic synths co-crafted with Aaron Dessner. Fans of her close-mic vocals will still find plenty of intimate moments, but tracks like the haunting single 'Hit the Wall' and the stunning 'Death Wish' have a massive scale that is built for huge spaces. Plus, look out for some incredible guest appearances from the likes of Bon Iver and Marcus Mumford. Spun on vinyl, this record feels like a rainy Sunday afternoon in the best possible way.
Nia Archives - Emotional Junglist
Get ready to turn your volume dial all the way up. The absolute champion of modern jungle music, Nia Archives, returns with her second album, Emotional Junglist, and it is a breathtaking ride. Mixing the hyperactive energy of classic drum and bass with the heart-on-sleeve writing of indie-pop, this record is an instant classic.
Written all over the world and co-produced alongside brilliant minds like James Ford, the album is a masterclass in rhythm and emotion. Singles like 'Boys In Blue' bring a cheeky, pop-punk attitude to the dancefloor, while tracks featuring guest spots from Jorja Smith and Sampha add a deeply soulful, late-night groove to the mix. It is fast, infectious, and full of life. Dropping the needle on this feels less like listening to an album and more like stepping straight into a sweaty, euphoric club.
As It Is - As It Is
For anyone who grew up screaming pop-punk lyrics in their bedroom, this one is going to hit you right in the chest. After eight years apart, the classic original lineup of As It Is have officially reunited to deliver their self-titled fifth album, and it is a total triumph.
This record is a love letter to friendship, survival, and the music that brought them together in the first place. Rather than chasing modern trends, the band leans heavily into their signature, high-energy pop-rock sound while bringing a mature, reflective perspective to the lyrics. The brilliant single 'Ruin My Life', which features a fantastic guest spot from Murray Macleod of The Xcerts, perfectly captures that bitter-sweet nostalgia. It is emotional, soaring, and incredibly uplifting. Hearing these massive choruses on a warm vinyl pressing is the ultimate nostalgic treat.
From haunting, acoustic storytelling to high-tempo dance beats and anthemic rock reunions, this week’s lineup is all about artists pouring their hearts onto wax. Which of these records is heading straight to your turntable?
