Wax Fang : La La Land

La La Land is the latest release from one of my favorite Louisville-based bands, Wax Fang. (I've written about them here and here, and had them come to Indianapolis to play for us.) It's their sophamore album, but it's the first record with the participation of new drummer Kevin Ratterman, formerly of the band Elliott, and ex-Cabin bassist Jake Heustis.

Wax Fang has had the full-force pressure of being the "next-big-thing" out of Louisville since they were first heard in 2005. MMJ lead singer Jim James brought them out to open for My Morning Jacket on last year's tour and it's only reinforced that label. The Whigs lead singer, Parker Gispert, and I fan-out with each other about this band each and every time we see each other. It seems, at times, that Wax Fang has felt that pressure and it's one of the reasons it's taken them a while to get this release out. They actively searched for a proper label and received a lot of attention, but still haven't found something that fits them. They've instead decided to self-release La La Land, and say that if a label shows interest in picking up the album after its release they'll consider it.

The album is full of reverb-infused soaring rock, similar but not the same as My Morning Jacket. Wax Fang always adds some glam theatrics to the mix. There is always something a little "off" in their music and live show - something a little "absurd" as lead singer Scott Carney puts it. Cannibal Summer and it's kazoos is a great example of this, but then also check the guitar licks! What a combo. This album is Wax Fang's effort to release something that most accurately represents their live show, an area they've always been praised for. The additions of Ratterman and Heustis have really solidified this band, and I think they're really coming into "their sound".

Wax Fang - Cannibal Summer
Wax Fang - Avant Guardian Angel Dust (instrumental)

The album will be available this coming November 17th via their MySpace and website. If you're in Louisville this weekend, you should go to their CD release party at Headliners. The CD will be for sale at Ear-X-Tacy starting that day. Check the poster...



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