WAAX with Charlotte and the Harlots + Bakers Eddy at Crowbar Sydney 13th April 2022
REVIEW AND PHOTOS BY: JADE GUIDA
I can say without much doubt, that this was the gig to shoot in 2022. Friday night at Crowbar was full to the brim with talent, energy and sweaty bodies. It was more than to the brim, it was overflowing. From before the doors open there was a line of eager patrons swirling around the crowbar venue entrance and even more scores of them inside. It has been a long time since I have seen so many people filling a venue, especially before Doors open.
I joined the long line of people wearing Waax shirts and donning Waax Tattoos. As soon as I went inside the venue (30min before the first set) the venue was more than half full. Everyone at this show seemed to want to soak up every minute of every band.
First up was Charlotte and the Harlots. They are an incredible band in absolutely every way. They tick every box. They are high energy, loud and excessively talented individuals from the ACT. They have created this thick honey like sound. Their songs are so full bodied and well written that they seem almost tangible, like I could reach out and grab it, hold it in my hands. This was probably the most impressive opening band I have ever seen. I love going to gigs even in my personal time, and I almost always go for the full show and watch every band on the line-up. I love the experience of seeing new bands and especially ones who are fresh to the scene, but this was an extraordinary experience. This could have been a headline set. This band is energetic, enigmatic and a lot of fun. The best thing about Charlotte and the Harlots (outside of lead singer Charlotte’s light up belt) was that they all looked like they were having the best time. This band is fun, and they bring an immense amount of energy. They have a headline tour coming up and I strongly recommend you catch them before the explode.
I love Bakers Eddy. I love them. I was ecstatic at finally being able to shoot a show. This band is notorious for high energy, explosive sets and my god did they deliver. By the time this set rolled around the room was already full, no one was missing out on this set. This band is pure, untamable energy exploding from four individuals to create a masterpiece of music and stage presence. There is something about this band live, you don’t want to look away or miss a minute. I think there are some bands you go and see, and you leave just feeling good, the rest of your life sort of melts away and evaporates into the sea of sweaty people you stand shoulder to shoulder with for the set. Bakers Eddy has that quality, they just have a presence about them that is indescribable. After the Set I texted my friend (long time fan) and was like “Man WTF they are the sickest band I have ever seen” and then he replied with a long lecture about how I never listen to his music recs. This band blew my mind, I will count down the days until I can see them again.
Waax. I mean if you know Waax, like Waax or have heard of Waax there is probably nothing I can write that will come as a shock or even be helpful. This band has some of the most loyal fans I have ever witnessed. I was slightly caught off guard by just how many Waax tattoos I saw on Friday, how many permanent signs that this band has and will continue to change lives. I saw people crying in this mosh pit from pure joy. I stood in the hottest, sweatiest and most full Crowbar I have ever seen. I experienced Waax in all its glory. I think it can’t go without saying that if you asked anyone about Waax they would probably reply with ‘they are the nicest band’, I heard that a lot on Friday. People chatting about the kindness of band members and inclusivity they felt as a part of the fan base and I think that is a really touching point and something that I could really feel at the show on Friday. This was a show for the Fans. Front women Maz is for the people, and you can see that. There was an electricity in the air from the first note played. Waax are consistent, they are loved, they are talented, and they are fucking loud. Loud in every sense of the word. Loud music, Loud stage presence, Loud messages, Loud love for their community. The show on Friday was extraordinary, I thought Crowbar might explode from joy and talent. The Waax community was treated to a show that was bursting at the seams. If you are sleeping on Waax, you are sleeping on one of the most talented, hardworking, kind and relatable bands in the scene and you need to wake up.
