It’s only right for 2024 to end with a slew of high-energy concerts. On Friday, December 20, two Philadelphia based bands, City Wide and Wax Jaw, journeyed to Bowery Ballroom. The two shared similar goals: charm local New Yorkers and supportive listeners through dynamic and compelling music.
Before these two Philadelphia based bands hit the stage, the night started off with The DTs. This modern pop duo, consisting of David Cacciatore and Tom Losito, channeled a variety of sounds. Melding into rock, punk and blues, The DTs sought to bring their hometown of Jersey to the forefront. They experimented with harmonies, catchy lyrics and rockin’ guitar riffs. The DTs also performed their new single, “Cherry,” an uplifting track, with roots in adolescent memories.
Slowly as the DT’s set came to a close, more people started to trickle into the venue. Just after 9pm, Wax Jaw took center stage, ready to bring the energy. This past year, Wax Jaw has rapidly made its mark in the Philly music scene, drawing inspiration from punk and new wave genres. Evoking a sense of nostalgia while highlighting trans voices, the band is made of the singer Shane Morgan, drummer Ian DiBruno, bassist Greg Blanc, and guitarists Sean Vannata and George Fenton. Throughout this leg of the tour, Ben Manning replaced DiBruno’s spot on the drums.
Right off the bat, Fenton took over the microphone, calling out to the audience to gather close and get ready to dance. Upon hearing his words, fans pressed close to the edge of the stage, tilting their heads back and forth in tune to the music. Known for their album, Between the Teeth (2023), the band played hits such as “Be the Man,” “Mirror” and “Attitude.” Morgan kept the crowd entranced, each song more powerful than the last. With a focus on lyricism and balanced instrumentals, the driving drum beats grounded the audience. Halfway through the set, Fenton urged everyone to gather close to the ground. Reaching crescendo, band members and fans jumped up in the air, clapping hands and singing along.
Wax Jaw’s high-octane performance set the mood for the rest of the night. Fans split into groups, chattering in anticipation about the previous bands until 10:30 rolled around. At this point, the front of Bowery Ballroom was packed. City Wide entered only a few moments later, earning a roar from the crowd. Vocalist Emily Goldenberg immediately made her presence well known, her strong and captivating vocals pairing perfectly Simon Sheintoch, Evan Brink and Patrick Crosgrave. Ben Manning joined once again on the drums, sticks flying as he pounded the bass and snare.
Placed into the alternative genre, City Wide draws inspiration from classic rock and upbeat melodies seen in tracks by The Lumineers and Mt. Joy. They honed a charismatic stage presence and their hit, “Countdown” seemed to resonate with frequenters of the Ballroom. Goldenberg declared this song was meant to pay homage to the upcoming New Year, counting down from10 in the midst of the chorus. City Wide also made sure to balance out the night with some songs on the slower side, including “Higher & Higher.”
The evening concluded with City Wide returning for an encore. Each member donned Christmas themed sunglasses to cover Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run.” A whirlwind of energy overtook the room, bodies swaying in time to the rocking, fast paced rhythm. Ending 2024 right at Bowery Ballroom, both Wax Jaw and City Wide hope to play NYC once again in the coming year.
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