“There’s something strange going on in my head.” A sentiment many of us have all said at one, or many, points in time in our lives, especially as a teen or young adult. Yet it was Shane Henderson of  Valencia that sings out those opening words on the first track of Valencia’s debut album back in 2005. While I was figuring out how to go from a high school senior to college freshman around the years of 2004-2005, the Philadelphia band of Shane Henderson (vocals), Brendan Walter (guitar), George Ciukurescu (bass), J.D. Perry (guitar), and Maxim Soria (drums), had formed, made a name for themselves in the Philadelphia area, played Warped tour, made a name for themselves outside of the tri-state area, signed to I Surrender Records, and released their debut album. 

Take a few hours to listen to Top 40 radio right now and there is a great chance of hearing ‘Victoria’s Secret’ by Jax once, or maybe multiple times. My wife first heard this song and told me about it, and with such a positive message, we both knew I had to write this article on Jax. 

The Bamboozle festival was a staple in the New Jersey Punk / Alternative music scene from 2002-2012. Splitting time between East Rutherford and Asbury Park, the 3-day festival was like a Warped Tour on steroids.