Steam Next Fest has solidified its reputation as the premier destination for uncovering indie gems, and for music aficionados, Wax Heads is an absolute essential. Music is more than just a hobby; it is a fundamental human experience, and the communities built around it—from vinyl collectors to concert-goers—foster some of the most vibrant and inclusive social circles.
Beyond the world of gaming, attending live performances is a personal passion of mine. I’ve spent years curating a growing vinyl collection and, while I haven’t worked behind the counter myself, I am a regular at my local shops. Wax Heads masterfully captures the specific energy and subculture inherent to both independent record stores and the live music scene.
The narrative premise is invitingly straightforward: you are the newest employee at Repeater Records. You’ll work alongside a colorful cast of colleagues, including the shop’s owner, Morgan. Formerly the frontwoman of the early-2000s hit band “Becoming Violet,” Morgan has spent years estranged from her sister, Willow. Their long-standing family feud takes center stage when Willow suddenly reappears, ready to disrupt the shop’s peace.
This storyline serves as the backdrop for a unique blend of visual novel storytelling and deductive puzzling. Each workday, you must assist an eclectic variety of patrons seeking specific albums. The catch? Almost none of them know the actual artist or title. Instead, they’ll describe a “vibe,” a specific sound, or a vague memory of the cover art, leaving you to play musical detective.
The developers at Patattie Games estimate a total runtime of seven to eight hours. During this time, you’ll navigate the labyrinthine aisles of Repeater Records to locate the perfect vinyl for every eccentric guest. Success requires keen attention to dialogue cues and album details. Interestingly, the game rejects the “customer is always right” mantra; if you believe your musical expertise points to a better choice than what the customer is asking for, you are encouraged to follow your instincts.
Patattie Games is a two-person powerhouse. Creative Director Murray Somerwolff notes that the game was born from a desire to express a deep-seated obsession with music through interactive media. Conversely, Technical Director Rocío “Rothio” Tomé brings a different perspective; a childhood hearing condition meant she didn’t fully experience music until after surgery, making her particularly sensitive to sound. Her background in customer service, however, was instrumental in crafting the bizarre and relatable interactions that define the shop’s atmosphere.
Given the subject matter, the original soundtrack is vital, and composer Gina Loughlin delivers a rich, multi-genre experience. The auditory landscape is further fleshed out by guest tracks from Xalavier Nelson Jr., Spanish artists, and even archival recordings from Murray’s own former band. These layers of authenticity make the fictional world of the game feel lived-in and real.
According to Murray, Wax Heads is a celebration of the emotional resonance of music. The game draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Fugazi (the namesake for Repeater Records), Bjork, and The Replacements. It also pulls stylistic and thematic cues from the Scott Pilgrim comics and memoirs like Girl in a Band, resulting in a distinct, alternative aesthetic.
The heart of the game lies in its characters. You’ll meet Winston, an elderly gentleman searching for a record that connects him to his late husband, and Ali, a nervous young woman hoping the perfect album will help her break the ice with a crush. Even the fictional artists you never meet—like the pop-icon Mimi or the chaotic punk outfit Brick Dog—feel like tangible parts of this universe through their fans and drama.
The result is a wonderfully cozy and endearing environment. Even the most abrasive customers contribute to the charm of the shop. Exploring the stacks at Repeater Records is a genuinely joyful experience, and I’m eagerly awaiting my next shift when Wax Heads officially launches on Tuesday, May 5.
Source: Polygon
