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My wanderings through that fantastic universe of expression we call music has led me to an exciting new planet. Fixed firmly amid the worlds of rock, jazz, blues, funk, pop, and psychedelic grooves is Wax Planet. Aptly named, Wax Planet is a world where all these genres melt into one harmonious sound. This sound at turns electrifies and mesmerizes, sparking a flame in listeners' souls that is rare indeed in the vast universe of sound.
I've had the good fortune to catch Wax Planet's show many times in Raleigh, NC. From the first beat of the first song, the Planet draws audiences in with a force comparable to gravity itself. Depending on the band's mood, that first song might be a hard-rocking, foot-thumping tune that makes even delicate wall-flowers get out and shake it on the dance floor; a musical odyssey with lyrics that open the mind to the depths of human experience; or a psychedelic-feeling groove that places Haight-Ashbury of the 60s solidly in 2001 to name just a few "countries" on Wax Planet. While it would take a virtual lexicon to describe each Wax Planet song, two words describe all of them; musical mastery.
I recently visited the Planet at The Brewery in Raleigh. As rhythm guitarist Scott Davenport sang in that night's opening song, "Every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of something happening and I'm speechless." Studying the audience, first-time visitors to Wax Planet were immediately obvious. They were, indeed, speechless. Their faces shone with the stunned silence that accompanies an astonishing and wonderful discovery. This initial delighted bewilderment was soon blasted away by the force of this upbeat song, called "Mr. Coconuts" (perhaps named for its tropical, steel-drum-band-on-steroids feel), and all feet commenced flapping.
From there, the band seamlessly switched gears to a Planet favorite, "Going Down." This complex show-stopper showcases the band's technical virtuosity. The song especially highlights "Krazy" Erik Mansfield, stoically pounding out a drumbeat that is one for the books. "Going Down" also hinges on Ed Halperin's rock-solid bass line. Eric and Ed provide the firm foundation on which the
Planet's sound is built. "Going Down" would leave many bands gasping for breath and begging for mercy. However, what would qualify as a major musical accomplishment for many bands is just a warm-up for Wax Planet.
The band and audience were then warmed up and ready to cut loose, so the Planet treated us to one of their many highly danceable tunes, "Keep It Clean." This song emphasizes Scott's classic lyrics and charismatic stage presence. (This charisma has sent more than one lady a-swoon.) "Keep It Clean" morphed into "Where Do You Go," which illuminates keyboardist/vocalist Cap Rocap. Cap's work on the keys and his distinctive vocal style are matched by his sheer enthusiasm for performing. Always a crowd-pleaser, Cap consistently keeps life interesting on Wax Planet.
The show rocked on from there, and the band held steady with the energy and skill that has earned them acclaim as one of the premier bands in Raleigh. After keeping an excited audience enthralled throughout the show, Wax Planet closed with another favorite, "The Beam." This song allows lead guitarist, Eric Chesson, to show us what he's made of. I can say without reservation that this man rocks. Chesson's guitar work is the stuff of legend, and the "The Beam" leaves audiences awestruck and inspired.
Wax Planet has the makings of an extremely important band in the future of rock. Eric Chesson, Scott Davenport, Ed Halperin, Erik Mansfield, and Cap Rocap create a world in which great music reigns supreme. They are nice guys who show respect for their art, and exhibit a rare mix of craftsmanship, showmanship, and technical prowess that makes Wax Planet unforgettable.
One of their songs says, "The view is great from out here in orbit." I think anyone pulled into their gravitational field would agree Wax Planet is a great place to orbit. Keep your eyes and ears open, folks, Wax Planet just might take over the universe.
Emily Simpson Rocap
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