David Wax Museum - “Luanne”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Punch Brothers, The Avett Brothers, Shovels & Rope

Melding Mexican folk with Americana influences, David Wax Museum are getting back to their roots on latest single “Luanne”, the first from their upcoming record You Must Change Your Life. It’s the duo’s ninth full-length and it is setting up to be another barnburner if “Luanne” is any indication, a song that starts small and ends with symphonic zeal. The last few records found David Wax Museum incorporating some indie pop inflections into their traditional, acoustic base, but it seems here that they’ve found a way to still twist traditionalism, albeit with more mature subtly. A personal favorite in terms of live performance, it’s worth taking in a full set for an affirmation of love, hope, and traditional Mexican/American musical history in under an hour. David Wax Museum showcases Thursday night at the Continental Club for Nine Mile, Merge, and City Slang. (Kevin McStravick) 

2020 Review: I’ll admit some bias when a favorite all-time bands hits the SXSW circuit, but it’s worth a constant recommendation for one of the most vibrant live acts performing today. While David Wax Museum started rooted in Mexican and Americana folk forms, seven records in with 2019’s Line of Light and the Charlottesville-based duo is more a warm indie rock band than straight roots revivalists. There are still acoustic ramblers like highlight “Equal in the Darkness”, but it’s the dreamier moments of Line of Light that show a band continuing to evolve without losing an ounce of their natural charm.