Dallas Wax Is Taking New York City By Storm
Photo via Instagram from Alec Ilstrup
new york city- November 21st, 2023
Dallas Wax is the newest rock ‘n’ roll band born and bred out of the New York City scene. The five piece band includes Ryan Wax (vocals and guitar), Matt Stawinski (guitar), Alfonso Hernandez Urbaneja (bass), Owen Hite (keys), and Gabriel Seiler (drums).
After playing a basement show as their first ever gig and a set on Halloween night, Dallas Wax was already taking the stage at Arlene’s on only their third gig ever. The band has already created a name for themselves as a classic rock ‘n’ roll band with southern and blues influences behind the craftsmanship of each song.
As the band entered through the side door and onto the stage of Arlene’s last Thursday, with each member wearing all black clothing, head-to-toe, the band took their respective places to prepare for their set to begin. Wax came on stage wearing a leather jacket propped up on the collar with three pins broken into the leather and held in place. He took a sip of beer as he stepped over chords and gear. The drummer had a simple string of pearls draped on his neck. Each pearl beamed under the stage lights as he smiled, holding the sticks in his hand ready to play.
Wax turned around, back to the audience, and placed his hollow-body guitar over his leather jacket, the electric red color standing out against all the dark clothing. A green bandana stuck ever so slightly out of the pocket of black denim jeans. Each member sported plain silver jewelry that shined under the light, whether that was a simple ring or bracelet. The royal blue Stratocaster guitar shimmered under the spotlight, looking like a crown jewel. The band members all sipped dark beer from a plain glass or a classic green tinted bottle. The audience began to enter down the stairs of the venue and line up together. More and more people came down to the basement with drinks in hand and shuffled forward, their shoes skidding on the wooden floor, the paint already chipped with wear.
In their individual spots and with instruments in place, the band stood still, exchanging glances with one another, waiting to start. They began with a warm up riff on the guitar. As the first notes rang out, the band immediately gained the audience’s attention.
“How we feeling tonight?” shouted Wax. “We’re Dallas Wax. Let’s fucking party tonight.”
Dallas Wax’s set incorporated mainly originals with a few covers. “Oh, Oh Well”, “The Ride”, and “Caterpillar” are some of the new songs they played, all yet to be released.
The fog machine was periodically turned on, the fog visibly rising and swirling in the basement air before dissipating. Between songs, the band took short breaks to rest and tune, a guitar pick pinned between teeth as they worked quickly. “Last time I was here, it was just me playing this guitar,” Wax explained. “Almost a year later I’m with my own project and my fucking incredible band. It’s a full circle moment.”
Every song featured 70’s-inspired guitar riffs, whether integrated into the body of the song or in solos during an instrumental break or bridge. Each original featured noticeable bass lines that didn’t get lost in the mix. The keys added a unique sound layer that you wouldn't know you needed until it wasn’t there. Now, it can never be taken away. The composition of the originals evenly gave each musician a chance to shine.
For example, on one of the last songs, the volume of the keys was turned up to be the main voice ringing out, intermixed with solos from the keys and guitars. Throughout the set the rhythm section kept perfect time and almost lurked in the background of each song, then together they crept up until it was so hypnotizing it fully pulled your attention. The crowd was hooked through catchy guitar riffs and jams, funky melodies, and classic rock overtones seeped into every song.
A smile was plastered on the drummer’s face the entire set as he kept perfect time and added to the energy on stage. They played together as seasoned musicians who were as tight as the crack of a whip. Yet, it was only their third show.
Dallas Wax is only getting started and gaining more and more fans each gig without a single song yet released. Later next year, with the release of their first singles, there’s no telling where they'll go.
Follow Dallas Wax on Instagram for latest updates on gigs, song releases, and more.