Every so often, a band arrives at a moment where the pieces lock into place. For the Chicago-based indie-rock band, Ax and the Hatchetmen, that moment is their new track, “Oasis”.
Oasis, from its opening bars, shines with bright chiming guitars and a propulsive rhythm section, giving each instrument space to breathe, making the track feel lightweight and open. The chorus is irresistibly catchy; it’s a refrain that lands effortlessly, the kind of hook you catch yourself humming along to after the song ends.
Lyrically, Oasis leans into themes as old as songwriting itself: Lines like “you’re my only motivation, no hesitation” could easily read as cliché, but the band embraces that risk with self-awareness. Starting the bridge, Ellis sings “It’s all been done before,” as a wink to the lineage of love songs the band is consciously stepping into, much like the iconic song Wonderwall by the British rock band under the same name, Oasis, which is referenced through lyrics such as “It’s a long and windin’ road.” Rather than undercutting the sincerity, the admission makes the song feel humble and genuine. In interviews, Axel has described Oasis as being about the person you’ll always answer for, no matter the circumstance. The willingness to say something simple without overdressing it is what I feel makes the song really resonate with its listeners.
The real power of Oasis lies in its balance. The band’s jazz-trained horn section could easily dominate, but here it works in service of the song, ornamenting instead of stealing the spotlight. The production, whilst gleaming, still leaves room for texture; subtle guitar licks, backing vocal “oohs,” and the breath of brass. Structurally, the track is conventional (verse, chorus, bridge) and leans on performance rather than innovation. However, its accessibility is intentional; this song is designed to resonate with a wider audience rather than intimidate listeners with complexity.
With Oasis, Ax and the Hatchetmen prove they’ve matured into a band capable of writing songs that are both emotionally transparent and musically expansive. Is it a “cliche” love song? Yes! But it’s also a statement of intent. They’re here to make music that feels timeless, even if it risks familiarity. In an age where many bands shy away from sounding familiar and are afraid of clichés, Ax and the Hatchetmen embrace it with confidence. What makes this even more impressive is their range. They can deliver a song as emotionally direct as Oasis while also venturing into jazz-driven grooves or road-trip storytelling on other tracks. That duality, handling the “cliche” with grace and the experimental with curiosity, is the foundation of their identity.
With their upcoming debut album, “So Much To Tell You”, weaving together songs from their Constant Change EP alongside fresh material like Oasis, Ax and the Hatchetmen are setting the stage for a project that feels both retrospective and progressive. They’re a band beaming with potential in the indie scene, and with a headline North American tour on the horizon, the band has the chance to prove that the energy and sincerity of Oasis can resonate just as powerfully on stage as it does on record.