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I recently had the chance to meet up with some old friends and check out the new Wax Atlas.
Wax Atlas is not new, but they are now in a new location. Still in Hamilton, a neighborhood in Baltimore that has a long history of being an outpost of the underground, Wax Atlas has served the music and instrument buying folks of Baltimore for many years now and has, in recent years, been a regular host of shows.
As I did research to see who was going to play, I assumed Noise. This is based on past attendance at a prior location, and I suspect Noise in its many permutations and subgenres will still find a home at Wax Atlas. The event description called it “a good night for sad music!” So… it was going to be that kind of party. Got it.
Soon enough, it was time for local opener Plant Dad, in solo acoustic form. Within a few songs you gained a window into the singer/songwriter and their song inspirations. When a French band played Baltimore a few years ago, a member spoke to me about cultural differences. In France, your band performed the songs without speaking between, like a music academy concert. In (US) America, an artist could, as they performed their songs, talk about their day, tell a story, talk to people in the audience they knew… what have you. The French musician preferred the American way.
Wakelee, the touring band, were up next, early attempts to make their set-up quieter quickly abandoned. We were, after all, in a strip of other businesses, most closed, but some still open, and being a good neighbor is a priority. But wakelee were there to rock, touring in support of their “Doghouse” EP. And rock they did.
It was during Wakelee’s set that it became clear: this show had been set up for The Crown, now shuttered. Wax Atlas had the means to save the day, and did so.
Fly by the Seat lived up to their name, the singer/guitarist telling stories about commercial fishing, landing a killer Norm MacDonald quote I can’t verify (which is very Norm Macdonald of the singer/guitarist), and presenting a set that seemed on the edge of going off the rails. But it never quite did, the group gaining velocity and precision as momentum was gained, the band going full steam to finish the night.
As I said my goodbyes and gave my hugs, I was glad to have checked out Wax Atlas’ new digs, and hope to return for more shows in the future. As news hits every day of music spaces in Baltimore ending or being up for sale, the underground keeps finding a way to make it happen, resilient despite it all. I was glad to make it out.
