Ax and the Hatchetmen’s “Loser” isn’t a glorification of bad behavior, but a declaration of past mistakes. We’ve all been there in one way or another, so scream it at the top of your lungs!

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Stream: “Loser” – Ax and the Hatchetmen

When you imagine a loser, what comes to mind?

Is it someone who’s unreliable, or possibly even a heartbreaker? Maybe it’s someone who does the bare minimum and sleeps in late. The word “loser” can be defined as so many things. Essentially, a loser is someone who just can’t seem to get it right, no matter how hard they try. And when you look at it that way, we’ve all probably been losers at some point in our lives. While losers don’t win much, Ax and the Hatchetmen might just win you over with their latest single, “Loser.”

I tried to kiss you
but you turned away
Now it’s five in the morning,
better off another day
I’ve been reading the
same book for two years
Strip mall heathens,
living off of shower beer

Ax and the Hatchetmen is an indie rock sextet from Chicago with members you might recognize. If you’ve watched the Amazon Prime TV show The Runarounds, you probably remember frontman Axel Ellis. Guitarist Sal Defilippis and bassist Hunter Olshefke are also part of a different indie band called The Back Alley. Formed in 2018 after its members met while studying jazz at music school in Chicago, the group has spent years channeling that shared musical foundation into its own energetic, freewheeling sound. The other three members of this six-piece include Chaandmon Crofton on drums, Phil Pistone on trumpet, and Quinn Dolan on saxophone.

The group released their debut album, So Much To Tell You, this past October and came out with the deluxe version in March. The record brought together seven years of friendship, shared memories, and musical growth – what frontman Axel Ellis described to Atwood Magazine as “a tracklist full of songs to get off your chest.”

“Loser” is Ax and the Hatchetmen’s first single since releasing the LP, ushering the band into a new era.

The Chicago musicians embrace every personal flaw and imperfection in their new ambitious summer anthem. “Loser” is a confident, yet honest reflection on past relationships that quickly lodges itself in your head.

“‘Loser’ can’t keep it together,” Ax and the Hatchetmen tell Atwood Magazine. “It’s been at the bar since 4 PM. It’s waiting for the world to bend to its liking instead of looking inward to fix its problems. More than often, it doesn’t make it out of bed till afternoon and has no idea how to fix a flat tire. Sometimes it might lie or steal to get what it wants, but it can’t wait for a shower beer later. Worse off, it’ll break your heart for no good reason. Somewhere way down there might be a glimmer of remorse – hard to say. Hopefully someday it’ll learn, but that’s tomorrow’s problem.”

I’m a loser, bet I’ll lose ya
Kick me out before I piss you off
Can’t fix your tire
Won’t jump your car,
but I can break your heart

The band’s definition of the word “loser” becomes clearer with each lyric.

A loser will do anything to get what they want, leaving everyone else as collateral damage. They don’t want a committed relationship, they want someone’s heart. And once they get it, they won’t hesitate to break it.

I’m a loser, I’ll lose her
I’ll beg for her then use her
Take my empty apologies,
but not my favorite sweater
I’ll date ya, betray ya
I’ll turn around and play ya
I’ll love ya, I’ll leave ya,
I’ll call you when I need ya

“Loser” isn’t about self-pity, but rather an act of admission. Frontman Axel Ellis wears his flaws openly, and he’s not afraid to let everyone know that he’s a loser. So what? Who hasn’t been there in one way or another – whether in relationships, friendships, or somewhere else entirely?

So form an L with your left hand, put it in front of your forehead, and add “Loser” to your playlist.

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Stream: “Loser” – Ax and the Hatchetmen

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 © Tim Paczynski

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