Philly post-punk rockers Wax Jaw pick Suburban Lawns, Mock Media, Ashe, more for Ears We Trust
Wax Jaw puts on one of the most exciting shows you can see in Philly. The gigs are pure energy thanks to vocalist Shane Morgan, guitarists George Fenton and Sean Vannata, bassist Greg Blanc, and drummer Ben Manning leaving it all on stage (and oftentimes in the crowd).
The band released their debut full-length album, It Takes Guts!, just about a year ago on Born Losers Records and recently crushed their set at Philly Music Fest after embarking on their inaugural European tour.
We hit them up to see what they’re listening to as they ride those highs, with each band member naming something. And, if you’re in the Lehigh Valley area, catch the live Nov. 13 at Muhlenberg College’s Seegers Event Space.
Suburban Lawns — Suburban Lawns
Suburban Lawns is the band’s sole studio album, and boy does it ever pack a punch. The album is a varied yet quite sonically cohesive piece that channels The B-52’s, DEVO, and The Ramones in both tropes and attitude. The bass lines and guitar licks are mean, and Su McLane’s deep and mysterious vocals have always been influential to me as a singer. The fact that this album was released in 1981 and includes a song about computer dating tickles me. Check out this beaut for a fun listen.
— Shane Morgan
Cowboy Hunters — “Punched In The Head”
I feel like I’m pretty late to listening to this song, but hey we all find things on our own time. I love this track so much and for a band that doesn’t even have a full length out it’s crazy how Cowboy Hunters are able to hone on what makes a heavy track great in 2026. Sludge-y half time riff? Check. Grizzly production? Check. Nonchalant lyrics that oscillate between high and low concepts? Check, check, check. The whole track has this fantastic building heaviness that you can feel in your body. I have never seen this band live (not sure if they’ve come to the U.S. yet), but “Punched in the Head” almost puts your being in a trance until it can find some large release. It demands a pit and I imagine seeing it performed is probably next level. For fans of the first black midi record, slacker punk, and anyone who is exhausted.
— George Fenton
Mock Media — “Mock City Rock”
A modern band that sounds like The Clash and Gang of Four had a beautiful baby boy. Killer syncopated guitar rhythms, driving bass riffs, powerful gang vocals, a super catchy hook, and fantastic production. I am just really impressed by the rhythmic complexity of their more upbeat songs and their creative choices with song structures in general. If you like what you hear, I highly recommend checking out this live performance and interview on YouTube:
— Sean Vannata
Natalia Lafourcad — “Muerte”
This song makes me feel like my mortality is just slightly less scary, confronting death in a way that feels very natural and human. The instrumentation and recording build a sense of inevitability and peace to match the lyrical tone. It has become a comfort song of mine for whenever I feel overwhelmed.
— Greg Blanc
Ashe — “Funeral”
I love where pop music is heading in 2026. Bring the ABBA/Queen inspired theatrics and the Adele ballads under one roof and don’t overthink it. This whole record is delightful, and I had a hard time choosing which song to submit here. This isn’t the most exciting, boisterous or unique song offered, but is the best and most emotional composition. An expertly constructed pop ballad, with minimal cringe as compared to other work in the artist’s catalog.
— Ben Manning
