Ax and the Hatchetmen’s “Blurry Lights”

WRITTEN BY A.A.V.

Once again, I find myself writing another article about another band that I’ve just discovered and must share it with the readers or else I’ll explode. Ok, I won’t explode but I will annoy the hell out of everyone, one of the co-founders of this magazine, and my customers at my retail job. 

My newest obsession takes the form of six band members that go by the intriguing name Ax and the Hatchetmen. Lead singer Axel Ellis, Sal Defilippis on guitar, Hunter Olshefke on bass, Nick Deputy on drums, Phil Pistone on trumpet, and Quinn Dolan on saxophone, make up the tribe and have released their newest single “Blurry Lights.” Formed in 2018 and each member having some education in music, the group has performed and sold out shows and even performed at their dream venue, Lollapalooza. Currently signed under Arista Records, Ax and the Hachetmen are set to tour with The Fitz and The Tantrums this summer. 

The backstory behind “Blurry Lights” is just like any other indie, rock band; it involved drugs. Ax and the Hatchetmen’s leading man, Axel, explains the creation of “Blurry Lights” as a shroom trip gone wrong. “It’s mostly about the time I took mushrooms before going to the Van Gogh exhibit in Chicago — an experience I would not recommend, as the room was way too brightly lit to not notice and feel the presence of the hundred-or-so other people at the exhibit who, at the time, I was certain were all staring at me and knew I was on drugs. On top of that, the walls were swirling around with Starry Night and Van Gogh’s various works, creating the perfect mix of dizziness, nausea, and overstimulation while coming up on shrooms. The lights were blurry as hell, and I wanted to go home,” quote by Axel.

“Blurry Lights” lyrics are nonsensical, made up of whimsical components which was what Axel felt during the drug-induced moment. The background instruments such as saxophone and trumpet are a pleasant surprise as their sound is subtle and are in other indie rock groups. “Goofy” is another song where both instruments shine and is another single I highly recommend listening to. Axel’s clear tone, the guitar roaring back during the chorus, and the special effects on “Blurry Lights” is addictive and I won't be surprised to see this single blowing up in summer. It’s catchy, laid back, has the spontaneity of all members, and is a contender for currently streamed song in my list.

Don’t mistake Ax and the Hatchetmen’s fun and laid-back personality; they’re becoming major contenders in the alt rock scene and won’t be stopping soon.