WAX OWLS SOAR WITH ‘THE NOTICE’: A HAUNTING ANTHEM OF RESILIENCE AND RENEWAL
Originally published here: https://distractedmag.com/2025/03/28/wax-owls-soar-with-the-notice-a-haunting-anthem-of-resilience-and-renewal/
LA-based indie band Wax Owls returns with their striking new single, The Notice, a song that showcases their masterful ability to weave together indie-folk, rock, and country elements in a way that feels both fresh and deeply heartfelt. Formed by former lawyers Chris Tsaganeas and Gerry Hirschfeld, the band’s journey from legal briefs to musical dreams is nothing short of inspiring. This track marks the first single from their forthcoming EP, set to drop in August, which promises to dive deeper into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and navigating the murky waters of life’s darkest moments.
The emotional core of The Notice is undeniably personal for Hirschfeld, whose grief over the tragic loss of a mentor to suicide in the high-pressure world of law has colored much of the band’s work. “We don’t want to look back and regret not having the time to do the things we love,” Hirschfeld has said. This sentiment pulses through the song, fueling its introspective and tender narrative.
From the moment The Notice begins, it’s clear this isn’t your average folk ballad. The track starts with a hauntingly slow build, layering textured vocals and gradually adding depth with subtle instrumentation. Wax Owls’ vocal prowess takes center stage, in a rich, dynamic arrangement that ebbs and flows with raw emotion. Then, as the song hits its bridge, the music strips away to near-solemnity—just those ethereal, fragile vocals suspended in the air—before a sudden, electrifying shift. A searing electric guitar blasts into the mix, offering a glimpse of the rock edge lurking beneath the folk surface. This unexpected sonic twist feels like the band’s artistic declaration of leaving behind the rigidity of their past lives and stepping into an exciting, uncertain future.
Ultimately, The Notice is a deeply affecting ballad that carries a bittersweet weight, balancing heartbreak with a quiet, resilient hope. Fans of The Lumineers, Bon Iver, and Mumford & Sons will find something familiar yet uniquely captivating in Wax Owls’ sound, which has already caught the attention of major publications like Paste, American Songwriter, Atwood Magazine, and more. With The Notice, Wax Owls has proven themselves not only masters of their craft, but also storytellers with a mission to share something truly meaningful.