Wax Head detail debut album, GNAT

Fronted by vocalist and drummer Lewis Fletcher, Wax Head have made noise with previous tracks “Terminal Sinker” and “Clatter Coats” released last year as previews of GNAT. ”Bug Doctor” arrives as the focus track of the upcoming album, which is developed around a horror-fiction concept that imagines a parasitic bug takeover.

Discussing the track, Fletcher explains: “Narrating a manic take on anatomical autopsy, ‘Bug Doctor’ contains all the elements of GNAT as a whole - synth arpeggiators, guitar sirens and erratic psych-punk noise.”

GNAT was written during and around a relentless UK/EU tour schedule for the band. It was produced by longtime collaborator and Sour Grapes label member Borja Reguiera, before sending the final mixes to Australia to be mastered by Joe Carra, who has worked with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Amyl & the Sniffers.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, Fletcher adds: “I just found it really interesting, the idea of parasitic bugs overtaking people and killing them from the inside. I’ve always been drawn to the gross and the violent in my writing. I just struggle to talk about the sunnier side of life. I’ve tried so many times but it just doesn’t come naturally. I’ll buy books about quite dark subjects and figures and get loads of inspiration.”

Gnat artwork

Gnat tracklist