Exploring the terrain of alternative rock
Foxing is a band that refuses to be categorized. They’ve been described as indie rock, emo, math rock, art rock, post-rock and so much more. The truth is, it’s all correct. The band infuses every single one of these elements into their work, and the best example of this is their fourth full-length album, Draw Down The Moon.
“737” is an interesting way to start off this album. It opens with a mellow acoustic guitar and timid vocals, giving it that classic indie-folk sound. About two-thirds of the way through, however, the song takes a dramatic turn, developing into a heavy metal sound. The gentle vocals heard in the earlier part of the song now show off their full capabilities, screaming lyrics like “the debt that never dies” and “the eyes that never cry.” In the final 30 seconds of the track, the sound mellows again, the lyrics “draw your moon to me” are repeated over broken-sounding instrumentals, closing this song off on a rather unsettling note.
“Beacons” and “Where the Lightning Strikes Twice” are two tracks heavily reminiscent of the sound of 2010s indie rock. They both feature swirling guitars, keys and a drumbeat that is dripping with pure indie energy. While similar, the two tracks still manage to differentiate themselves from one another and are both instantly loveable to the listener.
Right from the start, “Drawn Down the Moon” captures the listener with its bassline; it’s heavy and hypnotizing. Paired with lyrics such as, “I’m never gonna stop loving you/ If I could I would have done it by now,” this song packs an even greater punch. The song continues to amplify throughout its three minutes and forty-three seconds. It’s an indie anthem at its core and an instant classic for this band.
“At Least We Found The Floor” quenches the thirst for a folk song that was teased in “737.” This song only features two instruments: vocals and guitar. The vocals are once again sweet and simple, with gorgeous harmonies over top. The guitar is punchy and articulate in every note it plays. The chorus, “well honey, at least we found the floor/ it can get much worse than this,” is heart-wrenching yet beautiful. The laid-back, melancholic tone of the vocals only amplifies the pain that is oozing from these lyrics.
Somehow, in just 10 tracks, Foxing manages to cover the entire landscape of indie rock as we know it with Draw Down The Moon. Their work ranges from playful pop-rock to head-banging metal to somber folk. The album is versatile and dynamic and is an amazing demonstration of how Foxing rejects classification.
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