Emerging from the Philadelphia music scene, Wax Jaw, fronted by a pioneering trans vocalist, artfully fuses new wave, post-punk, and surf rock into a vibrant sonic tapestry. With an intriguing six-track EP poised to make its debut in September, Wax Jaw carves their niche as a steadfast indie pop ensemble that captivates hearts and absolutely deserves your undivided attention!
Boasting dynamic stage energy, aesthetics steeped in nostalgic charm, and passionate performances, Wax Jaw has enamored the Philadelphia locals. Now, they proudly present the release of their delightful second single, “The Mirror.”
Imbued with sharp vocals, raw bass strums, and compelling guitar riffs, the track evokes echoes of early Siouxsie, X, Nina Hagen, and Lene Lovich. Their sonic tapestry is also interwoven with resonant threads of Berlin, the Go-Go’s, and The Breeders, harmoniously intertwining with the celestial, shoegaze-laced guitar strains that recall the likes of Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine.
“The Mirror” stands as an absolute delight for the auditory senses, encapsulating the spirit of a quintessential summer anthem through its ebullient, contagious energy. Although the single hums with catchy, buoyant rhythms, however, it houses a deeper introspective theme beneath its vibrant veneer. It questions the nature of selfhood, asking: who are we truly, in the mirror of others’ perceptions, and in the reflective silence of our own thoughts? The infectious hook and wild guitar shreds echo off beautifully with the strong vocals and deep lyrics.
Listen below:
“The Mirror” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Justin Nazario at Sound Splitter Studios.
Wax Jaw sprouted from the sun-kissed daydreams and burgeoning camaraderie between Greg Blanc (on bass) and Sean Vannata (on guitar) in the warm June of 2022. Their shared aspiration was to pen buoyant, energetic anthems capable of bringing even the most stoic audience member to life during their performances. With this vision at the forefront, the lineup expanded, one carefully selected member at a time, until the quintet reached its current lineup in January 2023.
Wax Jaw’s debut on the Philadelphia music scene was met with a resounding echo in the heartbeats of the local scene. Their dynamic stage presence, aesthetic sprinkled with delightful hints of nostalgia, and vivacious performances have led them to enthrall local audiences. Recent achievements that adorn their journey include consecutive sold-out shows at popular venues like Silk City and PhilaMOCA. Here, they shared the limelight with illustrious acts like Wine Lips and Acid Dad, further cementing their status within the local music community.
Fresh off of recording a direct-to-vinyl live session at Leesta Vall Sound Recordings in Brooklyn, Wax Jaw will be playing the following shows (with more on the way):
- July 15th Philadelphia, Ortlieb’s
- September 1st Philadelphia, Ortlieb’s
Both shows start at 8 PM.
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