Artist Bio
Ax and The Hatchetmen are one of Chicago’s most exciting rising indie-rock collectives — a band blending jazz-trained musicianship with punchy rock influences, and the charm of Midwest DIY culture. Fronted by Axel Ellis and an ensemble of horns and percussion, the group has built a devoted following through their electrifying live shows and intricate arrangements.
The band’s music channels the infectious enthusiasm of a band that loves playing together — and loves their fans even more. Their discography pairs clever lyricism with jazz-rock complexity, giving them a unique footprint in the alternative scene. After selling out rooms across the country, the band continues to expand their sonic universe core.
The Show:
On a frigid November night, the band proved that no cold could stop their fans from showing up full-force. By mid-afternoon, the line at Music Hall of Williamsburg stretched down the block. Complete with eager faces scarves and puffer jackets, fans remained dressed to the nines. One fan committed to a full Magikarp onesie, another had a shark fin headband, both adding playful energy.
When Ax and The Hatchetmen hit the stage, the room erupted into instant warmth — literal and emotional. Kicking off with “Hotel Room,” the band wasted no time launching into their blend of horns, strings, and Axel’s signature vocals. The crowd, packed shoulder-to-shoulder, sang along as loudly as the band played.
Throughout the night, the banter between band members added as much character as the songs themselves. Before launching into “Flagstaff,” Axel cracked, “We have a lot of desert songs,” drawing laughs from the audience. Meanwhile, Sal delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments when he shouted:
“This is my first fav city — f*ck Chicago!”
The crowd roared in approval, a fitting welcome for a band that’s made Brooklyn something like a second home.
It was the kind of genuine, scrappy enthusiasm that makes their shows feel like communal celebrations rather than performances.
Musically, the set was a tour through fan favorites — from the jittery groove of “7×9” to the smooth nostalgia of “Utah,” and a crowd-pleasing cover of “Everybody Talks.” “Blurry Lights” had fans belting every word, while “Where tf Did I Park My Car”showcased the band’s knack for pairing humor with heartfelt melodies.
By the time they closed the main set with the roaring “red carpet,” the audience wasn’t ready to let them go. Sal re-emerged to lead the encore chant — sprinting back onto the stage, arms raised, igniting the room into a unified rumble of applause and stomping floors.
The encore — a joyous, full-band cover of “Dancing in the Moonlight” — felt like a perfect ending: warm, communal, and full of life.
Brooklyn, it’s safe to say: they’ll be welcomed back anytime.
SETLIST:
Hotel Room Sunscreen french press Love Songs Lucy model citizen Flagstaff 7×9 Utah Everybody Talks (Neon Trees cover) oasis new years Blurry Lights Stay // Honestly Where tf Did I Park My Car Victim red carpet ENCORE: Dancing in the Moonlight (King Harvest cover)
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