i can't really find the right words to describe this band. i've been enchanted and inspired by all aspects of their art (the music, the lyrics, the lightshow, the masks, the energy of their performances) and if i can't really capture any of the impact in words i'll try show you with the things i've made ⟣⟡⟢
from the band's website:
Waxlimbs’ music explores themes of alienation, loss and mutation in an effort to conjure a sense of never feeling quite at home; of living in a different universe with no hope of return, and the adaptation that must occur.
the idea for this shrine began when i sketched these studies in a daze watching the live concert film, from the garden. the quality and detail vary a bit illustration to illustration - i initially set out to do quick speed-studies, but clearly got carried away as i continued on. if you click each of these illustrations you'll be able to see them full-sized and uncropped, then click anywhere to return.
i was just so dazzled by the colors, and how the lights combined with the sounds of the instruments and vocals and the movement of the performers to altogether submerge you in the moods of the songs. the whole thing is so moving - i had tears just pouring down my face during "watcher" and i realized i was holding my breath for will's whole freestyle vocalization in "earth is unmade." the differences between the live and studio versions of the songs are so fascinating that i have to recommend them both too; they each offer something special. "it has a name" feels so mournful and powerful and aching live, while the studio version is ethereal and glimmering (and i would die for a music box that plays the chime melody). please check out the rest of their discography on bandcamp friday too - some of my favorites outside of the concert include succession, after the wreck, chase the moon, it speaks, and fire at last ♡
i'm still reeling from reading the description on bandcamp of their song, need:
A shimmering cauldron of alt rock focusing on losing yourself in the catharsis of sex, death, and a loss of identity. With its grinding guitars, glistening strings and raw vocals, it is the unmaking of a person in a song.
here's a stamp i drew with some of the lyrics that hit home for me:
and here's a patch i cross-stitched & sewed - i wish the sparkly metallic thread showed up in photos more since it was so finicky to work with:
succession is another song that means a lot to me. it's perhaps their longest song at just over nine minutes. i see the whole thing as a progression, from feelings of agony then mercy and relief... in the end it makes me feel so hopeful, like there will be something on the other side of suffering.
in my pocket sketchbook, i used my black office pen on the nauseous wave-like pattern, and my silver gel pen to write out the lyrics "I BEG FORGIVENESS // FOR FORGETTING." the metallic ink catches the light then falls back indistinguishable into the wave pattern, intending to evoke the swelling anguish behind the repeated phrase, particularly as it builds layer upon layer into those gorgeous growls!
i'll likely keep adding onto this page in the future - i can't seem to help myself drawing and making little odds & ends when i listen to their music... maybe i'll even put together a pocket zine or two? i'll try to post any updates in my diary ⟣⟡⟢