Photo Credit: Harry Bearrows
INCLUDES ALBERT HAMMOND JR. COLLABORATION AND A VIDEO FOR THE RIVERS CUOMO CO-WRITE
“7X9”
SUPPORTING FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS THIS SUMMER
Chicago indie-rockers Ax and The Hatchetmen have unveiled their new EP, Constant Change, out now via Arista Records. A dizzy swirl of gritty garage-rock, psychedelic jangle, and jammy dynamism, the fast-moving set beams good vibes while encompassing a range of emotions. The EP arrives alongside a music video for the previously unreleased “7×9” — which began as a Rivers Cuomo demo — and just ahead of the band’s forthcoming tour, including a series of headliners peppered across a summer run with Fitz and the Tantrums.
Listen to Constant Change HERE.
Watch the “7×9” music video HERE.
Purchase tickets to see Ax and the Hatchetmen HERE.
Ax and The Hatchetmen’s vision for Constant Change was brought to life in part by storied producer Jake Sinclair (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer, Avril Lavigne), who not only connected the group with their hero Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes for the explosive lead single “Blurry Lights,” but also helped source a long-lost Cuomo demo for the backbone of “7×9.”
The sunny, carefree love song is pure fun, incorporating Beach Boy-style harmonies, oohs that seem to nod to Weezer’s Blue Album era, and the band’s signature brightly driving sound. Guitarist/singer Axel Ellis coos out the playful chorus: “Seven times nine is 63, she is dressed up so sexily / I don’t know much but I think it’s true, I want to spend my life making love to you.”
Axel shared his thoughts on Constant Change and The Hatchetmen’s general philosophy: “Everything’s so stressful these days. It’s our goal to do something that takes you out of the chaos of life for a few minutes and gives you a break from your day. I feel like that’s so important — that’s why I love music. It takes me away from the daily stress and leaves me inspired.”
Fans have also previously heard “Hotel Room,” an infectious mix of jangling guitars, upbeat drums, and glistening horns that captures the ache of long-distance romance, and the racing bliss bomb of a single “Stay // Honestly” a palpably pining tribute to unrequited love. Before the band shared the songs now gathered on Constant Change, they served up 2024’s Love Songs EP, which included the single “Love Songs” and fan favorite “Where tf Did I Park My Car.” Earlier this year, Ax and The Hatchetmen wrapped the second leg of their Way Too Late Tour — catch a live version of “Stay” from New York’s Mercury lounge HERE — but they’re back on the road next week, starting at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA, before joining Fitz’ Man on the Moon Tour, and, eventually, landing at the Mighty Roots Music Festival in Clarksdale, MS, in October. Experience the band’s freewheeling creative chemistry live at a date below.
Ax and the Hatchetmen, Constant Change
1. “7×9”
2. “Victim”
3. “Hotel Room”
4. “Blurry Lights” ft. Albert Hammond Jr.
5. “Stay”
Ax and the Hatchetmen Live Dates
07/23 – Pappy + Harriet’s – Pioneertown, CA
07/24 – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay* – San Diego, CA
07/25 – The Parish – Anaheim, CA
07/26 – Talking Stick Casino* – Phoenix, AZ
07/28 – Sandy Amphitheatre* – Sandy, UT
07/29 – Denver Botanical Gardens* – Denver, CO
07/31 – The Truman* – Kansas City, MO
08/01 – Slowdown – Omaha, NE
08/02 – First Avenue* – Minneapolis, MN
08/03 – UP District Festival Field* – Fargo, ND
08/05 – The Sylvee* – Madison, WI
08/06 – The Palladium* – Carmel, IN
08/07 – The Vic Theatre* – Chicago, IL
08/08 – Newport Music Hall* – Columbus, OH
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