Back in September I teased about reviewing an album by the band Foxing and it's about darn time I deliver on that promise.
The album I landed on was Nearer My God, which might be because I've had more time with it, than their latest 2024 work Foxing. Either way I would recommend any of their albums if you want something with an atmosphere that's usually tinged with a sinister darkness. You could say, almost apocalyptic. This is especially true on Nearer My God.
Start off by looking at the album artwork and you will see what I mean. It's 4 horses that can be interpreted as the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Still not convinced? Ok lets, look at the opening song Grand Paradise, where there's talk of being "shock collared at the gates of heaven" and "Jesus Christ I'm wrecked to bed". Then there's the interviews with band where they reference inspiration coming from a CNN Doomsday Video. Ya I think you get the point now.
In a few other interviews and discussions I've read about Foxing, there's some talk about comparing their trajectory, and even some atmospheric elements, to Radiohead. With Nearer My God being compared to Ok Computer, in that it was their departure from traditional rock formatting and anything was game. Bagpipes? Yes and it's a must have, no compromises. A 9 minuet song right slab dab in the middle of the album? Of course it's needed to transition the listener to the next half of the album. And you know what, I agree, this is all needed to make Nearer My God what it is, a haunting brilliant piece of music. I don't hear anyone saying Ok Computer is too much (or at least the opinions of music critics that I read).
A final comparison I wanted to make with Foxing and Radiohead is movie/TV soundtrack media. Radiohead is in so many TV series and movies, because of its perfect way of evoking a certain grandiose emotion, whether it be devastating or triumphant. I think this could be an avenue for Foxing music to go as well, so why the heck has no one jumped on this yet?? Come on people! Fine, I will just pretend in my own head until this becomes a reality.
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Highlighted song and lyrics:
Bastardizer- "Next generation/It's feeling the same/Raising themselves up but can’t forget your name"
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Similar bands to check out:
Smidley, Seahaven, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Balance and Composure
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Links to check out:
Nearer My Pod- In-depth look at the making of Nearer My God
Stereogum.com- Interview with the band
Spectrum Pulse YouTube- Album review
*fun fact you can read something I wrote in the comment section of this video
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