Foxy Shazam
The Flamingo Trigger


3.5
great

Review

by spades777 USER (1 Reviews)
October 3rd, 2007 | 31 replies


Release Date: 2005 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An eclectic mix of ideas originally pioneered by bands such as Mr. Bungle, The Blood Brothers, and even Dillinger Escape Plan to some degree, "The Flamingo Trigger" showcases a strange, enjoyable debut from an equally off beat Band.

Recommended to me by a family member, I didn't bother to look into this band due to what seemed at the time to be simply a very unfortunately named band. Several weeks later I overheard erratic screams and a spiraling piano section spewing from said family members speakers. "Heavy metal sucks and rock on roll is dead!" was screamed frantically by the vocalist, preceding an engaging piano solo lasting several minutes. Intrigued, I finally investigated more into the bands music, eventually purchasing the album.

Once again proving that you can never judge a book by its cover (or a band by its name in this case, obviously), Foxy Shazam provide us with an eclectic, strange and just plain fun debut album. It kicks off with "French Passion", immediately showcasing the bulk of what your bound to hear throughout the rest of the album - catchy, quirky vocals; equally erratic guitar sections and the ever-present piano (which often steals the spotlight throughout the album). "No, Don't Shoot" begins with almost 'surfer-rock' riffing, eventually leading to a breakdown in which the singer shouts nonsensical babblings. "Seagulls Over Rhinosaurus Bay Pt I", the track in which the singer provides us with memorable one-liner previously mentioned, is one of the albums standouts. It segues into "...Pt II", the engaging piano solo.

"Aroma of You" is the strongest case for the band's tendency to spout out lyrics that are often just 'weird for the sake of weird', such as the Shakespearean line "how about I piss in your butthole, how about I admire your eyes" - lines usually reserved for joke grind bands and the like. "Brains of Vegas", another one of the albums highlights, comes off as a deranged symphony of driving synths and dramatic vocals, ending in a breakdown with gargling vocals and more goofy noises.

"Across the Golden Field", the "heaviest" track on the album, features a breakdown and use of pinch harmonics, ending in a rather menacing guitar section whilst the singer provides yet another of my favorite 'sing-along' one liners - "Run for your lives! Run for your lives!".

In conclusion, this album isn't for everyone and likely isn't something you're going to listen to regularly even if you do enjoy it. However, "Foxy Shazam" has become an endearing moniker over the past two years since this records release, and always incites me to spout out one of the many ridiculous yet memorable lines upon mention of the bands name. They have recently signed to Ferret Records, furthering my belief that this album is a stepping stone of ideas to bigger and better things to come.


user ratings (225)
3.7
great
other reviews of this album
Cuban Pete (3)
Lame? Check. Obnoxious? Check. Gimmicky? Check. Fun as hell? Check....

Rationalist (3)
I never thought Foxy Shazam could relate to auditory education, but it just did....

Marsygra (4.5)
A hyperactive blend of Post-hardcore, classical, surf-rock and pop with a front man that screams for...

FromDaHood (2.5)
Out of control; Eric Nally is a beast...



Comments:Add a Comment 
ohcleverhansyou
October 3rd 2007


885 Comments


I completely disagree with you on the name, I think it's fantastic. The band sounds quirky in that cute punk way.

DWittisarockstar
October 3rd 2007


1501 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I'm seeing these guys live with HHLL, Tera Melos, and Dance Gavin Dance. Haven't heard much from these guys, but of what I've heard they're ok

PhoenixRising
October 3rd 2007


277 Comments


I think the name is hillarious, but they need to get rid of those lame scenester track titles.
Based on the review I'll probably try to check these guys out.This Message Edited On 10.03.07

DerMond
October 3rd 2007


126 Comments


i love these guys. good review.

Mr Fahrenheit
October 3rd 2007


40 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I enjoy this band, they make me laugh

Pyramidman
October 4th 2007


1340 Comments


These guys are ridiculous
but your right about only being able to listen to them in short bursts

nodontshoot
December 30th 2007


21 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Seeing these guys in February. They are stunning live.

KritikalMotion
January 29th 2008


2282 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This is uh...erm....hmmm.

MediocreAtBest
January 29th 2008


1473 Comments


This sounds like something I'd dig. Excellent.

MediocreAtBest
January 29th 2008


1473 Comments


Just checked this out. I love it.

KritikalMotion
January 29th 2008


2282 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Everyone told me their new album was better but this absolutely kills the new one.

marksellsuswallets
August 9th 2008


4884 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Is it even possible to get a copy of this anymore?

Cuban Pete
August 9th 2008


3813 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

it's never available on amazon when i look

marksellsuswallets
August 9th 2008


4884 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Its times like this I almost wish I had no conscience. Then I could just download it illegally somewhere. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep looking.

The Jungler
August 9th 2008


4826 Comments


worst signed band i have ever seen live.
so lame.

Cuban Pete
August 9th 2008


3813 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

are u 4 real jungler

the heresay is they are insane live.

brandtweathers
August 9th 2008


2006 Comments


^insect
youre so sensitive.. and you are, you are of the scene
it rhymes so its really deep

Cuban Pete
August 9th 2008


3813 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

what?

brandtweathers
August 9th 2008


2006 Comments


a bad tbs quote-off
sad bc i figured you would catch it

Rationalist
November 11th 2009


880 Comments


I listened to this album during a snow day.




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