Wax Jaw Brings High-Energy Punk to Wonder Bar
Shot and Written by Erika Szumel
August 18, 2026
Shot and Written by Erika Szumel
August 18, 2026
Fans and lovers of live music gathered at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park this past Sunday for an incredible night of alternative, indie, and punk rock.
Kicking off the rainy summer evening was Have a Good Season, an alternative band from Eatontown, NJ. Their sound is a solid mix of alternative, indie, and emo, featuring nostalgic but incredibly catchy lyrics. The band played 10 songs and warmed the crowd up for the night.
New Jersey natives Teenage Halloween were up next. This group describes its sound as “rip roaring power pop/rock n' roll,” and I have to agree with that. The moment they stepped onstage and started playing “Doctor” from their 2023 album Till You Return, I was hooked. Vocalist and guitarist Luk Henderiks’ voice is scratchy and strong but never reaches full screaming, and it immediately grabbed my attention as he sang, “Torturing myself is a norm I’ve known so well.”
Teenage Halloween has a more upbeat, energetic sound compared to other punk bands, and I think that sets them apart. The performance was energetic and captivating. The band is currently working on their next album, and are back in Asbury Park on September 5 at Wild Air Brewery. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss it.
Wax Jaw started in 2023 and quickly rose through the ranks of Philadelphia’s music scene. The band is known for putting on energetic performances with a mix of punk and new wave sound. From the jump, this band has an energy that makes you just want to move—whether that’s moshing, skanking, dancing, jumping, or rocking out. The band is so entertaining to watch—lead singer Shane Morgan is dancing constantly, while guitarists Sean Vannata and George Fenton are jumping off the stage and bringing their guitars into the crowd. You really can’t help but move to the music and leave your troubles at the door. The setlist incorporated several songs from their album, It Takes Guts!, released in 2025, as well as a few singles. My new favorite is “Lace Up”.
Throughout the set, the band plugged their upcoming Euro tour, shouted out the queer community, Shane got on Sean’s shoulders, and George led a circle pit before ending the show with “Creepshow”. The crowd loved it, and you could see that people who didn’t know the band before had quickly become fans. It was a small show, but the energy in the room could’ve filled an arena.
It’s truly infectious to watch this band play. If you’re not catching them across the pond, you can see them at Philly Music Fest on October 16 at Underground Arts in Philadelphia, PA.
Follow them on social media and stream their latest album, It Takes Guts!
Coverage from August 16, 2026 at Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ. All photos are © Erika Jane Photography. and cannot be used without permission.