The summer evening was set to be a memorable sold-out night with the line wrapping around House of Independents prior to doors even opening. Every person looked ecstatic to be there, anticipating a night of enthralling live music. Even though the venue was only growing warmer with people flooding in, it didn’t stop the fans from expressing their love for the sound through dancing and singing along. This indie-loving audience did not disappoint and matched the vibe of each song played throughout the show. They were also extremely friendly for a concert crowd, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all kinds of fans. Whether longtime followers or first time listeners, everyone seemed eager to share the experience together. As everyone exited New Jersey’s House of Independents, each viewer was drenched in sweat and content with new memories.
John-Robert, an Appalachian-inspired country and folk musician, was the opener for Ax and the Hatchetmen’s Asbury Park performance. He has this midwest-emo rasp to his voice that creates a smooth sound throughout the venue. John-Robert was backed by both a drummer and a bassist which added more depth to the music and maintained an audience connection. His brief storytelling between songs gave the audience a glimpse into the emotions behind his music, making the performance feel personal and sincere. His humble demeanor and gratitude toward the audience made him a fitting choice as an opening act. While his set carried a more intimate, folk-inspired energy, it engaged the crowd just as effectively and had a natural transition into Ax and the Hatchetmen’s lively headlining performance. The trio on stage led a captivating performance with heartfelt lyrics and an effortlessly confident stage presence. By the end of the set, it was clear he had won over plenty of new fans.
He has this midwest-emo rasp to his voice that creates a smooth sound throughout the venue.
Ax and the Hatchetmen burst onto stage carrying both their instruments and infectious enthusiasm, immediately igniting the crowd with their passionate performance. They began the night with their song “French Press” from their newest album So Much To Tell You released in October 2025. Their performances of “Loser” and “Hotel Room” took on a more boisterous energy live, with the band’s spirited delivery enhancing the songs’ undeniable charm. Their seamless transitions between songs kept the energy from ever slowing and left little room for the crowd’s excitement to fade. Each member fed off of each other and maintained a driving momentum throughout the set. The frontman, Axel Ellis, frequently interacted with the crowd generating smiles and laughter in between songs. One of the night’s funniest moments came when he jokingly referred to Asbury Park as “Ass Park,” poking fun at the recent parasite related news surrounding the area. The crowd immediately understood the reference, creating a surge of laughter before the band launched into the next song. Ellis’s easygoing personality made the performance feel less like a concert and more like a gathering of friends brought together by a shared love of indie rock music. Even during brief pauses between songs, the audience remained fully engaged, cheering after nearly every comment and eagerly anticipating what would come next.
Axel Ellis was joined by the Hatchetmen, consisting of a drummer, bassist, guitarist, trumpeter and saxophonist. The range of instruments allowed a perfect blend and added a layered sound that translated beautifully in a live setting. The addition of the trumpet and saxophone provided the songs with a bright quality that distinguished the live performances from the studio recordings. The instrumental breaks gave each musician an opportunity to shine while never taking away from the band’s cohesive sound. They performed covers of “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees and “Belt Loops” by The Films, both of which are also recorded and released on Spotify. These were favorites of both the audience and the artists, creating a stronger connection over shared appreciation for music in similar genres. Their set came to a close with another cover, “Beast of Burden” by The Rolling Stones, ending the night on a vivacious note as the entire venue sang along one final time. The performance showcased not only Ax and the Hatchetmen’s musicianship but also their ability to create an honest connection with the audience, guaranteeing that every fan left House of Independents with at least the same contagious energy that began the evening. The sold-out performance demonstrated why the band’s fanbase continues to grow rapidly, and left Asbury Park with a night that felt both intimate and unforgettable despite the hot, packed venue.
Ax and the Hatchetmen Photo Gallery
John Robert Photo Gallery
Watch
Tour Poster
Follow
Upcoming Shows
More live coverage from No Flash Needed
Live photography by Bri Skylar for No Flash Needed. © 2026 No Flash Needed. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without written permission.
More live coverage, photo galleries, and tour news.
Follow No Flash Needed for concert reviews, show galleries, tour announcements, and upcoming shows worth keeping on your radar.
The Windy Cities Tour brought Styx and Chicago to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta on Friday night for…
Jul 20, 2026
ATLANTA, GA, Just one day after releasing their debut full-length album, Setting Sun, Brooklyn-based indie rock outfit DD…
Jul 15, 2026
The lawn at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre was still baking off the day's heat when Matt Nathanson wandered out…
Jul 13, 2026