I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: October 21, 2023] Wax Jaw 

Wax Jaw has only been around for a little over a year.  In that time, they have released a couple of singles and amassed a huge local following.

Wax Jaw was born out of the summer-time daydreams and blossoming friendship of Greg Blanc (bass) and Sean Vannata (guitar) in June 2022. They immediately shared a vision of writing lively, upbeat tunes that would make even the most reserved audience member come alive during their shows. Keeping this priority in mind, a five-person lineup was curated one member at a time until the band reached its final form in January 2023. Since then, Wax Jaw has wasted no time sinking their teeth into the bleeding hearts of Philly audiophiles through their animated stage presence, vintage visuals, and high-energy performances. They recently played back-to-back sold out shows at Silk City and PhilaMOCA – most notably sharing a stage with nationally acclaimed acts Wine Lips and Acid Dad. With a six-song EP set to release in September, Wax Jaw is the innovative, all-gas-no-breaks band to watch!

I could have seen them open for Acid Dad a little while ago, but decided to stay home that night.

They’ve since played three shows in the area that I could have gone to but didn’t.  That is until this one.

This was an EP release show and that meant that they were going to play the whole EP.  But not in order.

They were dressed for Halloween with suits on that had giant tears in them.  Their shirts looked bloodied and they had “stitches” on their bodies.  It made for extra merriment.

They rocked the place right from the start, with singer Shane Morgan dancing and having a great time.  There were lots of big fans in the audience (someone who has seen 14 of their last 15 area shows).  And everyone had a great time.

Some songs, like “Cavities in My Heart” got a big round of applause as soon as they started.

I found out after the show that Ryan Casmirri filled in on drums at the last minute–he killed it.  I was in front of guitarist George Fenton.  He and Sean Vannata traded licks throughout the show.  And, at the end of “Attitude”, they both jumped into the crowd and proceeded to slam dance everyone, while still playing.

At the very end of the pit, Vannatta crowd surfed in the small venue and made it back to the stage safely.

I had been at the front of the stage, although as the pit got more intense I decided to move back against the wall (all of ten feet).  I enjoyed standing back and taking in the whole scene as the band and the crowd got wilder as the show ended.

Bassist Greg Blanc didn’t jump into the crowd, but he did jump all around the stage.

The final song Spit You Out was a full on blast of fury as the band dominated the whole room.  It was intense and wonderful.

Sure, the set was only about 35 minutes, but it was a powerful and unforgettable 35 minutes (they even ran a little over their 9:30 curfew).

Sounds like they are going to take a short break form shows for a bit, so I’m glad I got to see this one.

SETLIST

Gimme a Try
Big Hang *
Cavities in My Heart *
The Mirror *
Be the Man *
Checking Me Out *
Beach on My Own *
Attitude
STFU and Drive
Spit You Out

* Between the Teeth EP (2023)
other songs unreleased