Photo by Annie Gilbertson

Wilx is currently based out of Athens and is in the midst of their fall tour, marking the official release of “Didactic Dichotomy.” 

Wilx is not your typical jam band. Amongst the rolling rhythms that often accompany psychedelic rock from the early ‘90s, Wilx scatters both classic pop vocals and a classic rock undertone in some of the songs—a fusion that has them faintly flirting with contemporary indie trends.

Last Friday, the four musicians that formed Wilx in 2005 out of Oxford, Miss., were accompanied by a special guest keyboardist for the Bourbon Street show. Produced by the same people that established R.E.M. and Widespread panic, the band shaped a more distinct and current sound with the help of their guest who polished some of the funky electronic jazzy riffs.

However, this divergent style wasn’t what all audience members expected.

“It’s a bit to heavy,” said Josh Hamby, “but I’m more of a trance-type person. I wish I could see more lead guitar, but I’m no critic. If you can’t match the power of the lyrics to the music you are playing, your stuff lacks soul. They are playing some covers which is changing their overall vibe.“

Because Jimbobwe opened, bringing their typical crowd, Wilx made some accommodations for their audience, shifting from the more inventive sounds heard on their first album “Didactic Dichotomy” to the more familiar beats that characterize Bourbon Street.

Overall, the audience responded well to the group and consisted of your typical guy in dreads and his balding friends in hemp sandals as well as tons of chicks in billowy print dresses. Most everyone was dancing the standard two-step with swiveling hips and carving arms.

Several of the rhythms were fairly complex. It is always impressive to see musicians that respect the craft enough to be multidimensional players: the lineup consisting of Hayden Smith (guitar / vocals), Grant Mitchell (guitar / vocals), Wilkes Evans (drums) and Taylor Arnall (bass / vocals).

Wilx is currently based out of Athens and is in the midst of their fall tour, marking the official release of “Didactic Dichotomy.” 

To find out tour dates or to preview the new album, check them out at

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