What makes Big Grief by Waax notable?

Big Grief received critical acclaim upon its release, including recognition from publications like NME and Tone Deaf for its raw emotional honesty. The album's exploration of grief resonated widely, contributing to discussions around mental health in music and solidifying Waax's position in the burgeoning Australian punk scene. Released as Waax's debut studio album, Big Grief arrived after their successful EPs, establishing them as a prominent voice in the Australian alternative rock scene. The band had gained traction with singles like 'Wisdom Teeth' prior to this full-length project, which showcased their evolution from promising newcomers to serious contenders in the genre.

How many songs are on Big Grief?

Big Grief has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Big Grief

Waax · 2019

41 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

An explosive blend of punk energy and introspective lyrics that navigate the complexities of grief and personal turmoil.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big Grief — The title track captures the album's essence with its urgent delivery and candid lyrics about loss, setting the tone for the entire project.
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History — This track combines catchy hooks with reflective verses, highlighting how past experiences shape present emotions, serving as a pivotal moment on the album.
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FU — With its defiant attitude and punk influences, this track perfectly embodies Waax's fierce energy while addressing themes of empowerment and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines punk energy with introspective lyrics, creating a compelling but uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

Several tracks employ dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet introspection and loud, aggressive instrumentation to reflect emotional turmoil.
The lyrics often feature personal narratives that are delivered with raw vocal intensity, enhancing the emotional weight of the themes explored.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Big Grief 2:43
2 Labrador 3:41
3 No Apology 3:51
4 FU 3:47
5 History 3:50
6 Changing Face 3:39
7 Fade 3:39
8 Little Things 3:36
9 I Am 3:26
10 Why 2:15
11 Last Week 2:27
12 I.D.K.W.I.F.L 4:12

What to play next

Go back to

Holy Sick

2015

Full Waax discography Artists like Waax

alternative rock pop rock post-punk

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