Review Summary: Foxy Shazam takes a huge leap in their career with this differently focused, but still completely enjoyable, third release.
Foxy Shazam is:
Eric Sean Nally
Loren Daniel Turner
Daisy
Sky White
Aaron McVeigh
Alex Nauth
Foxy Shazam just might be the most out there, circus act of a band that I have heard in a long time. Just seeing a Foxy show is legitimately 30% music and 70% theatrics. These guys are one of the best live acts around. But even so, Foxy has gone through serious changes with every release. "The Flamingo Trigger", their debut LP featured an intense, crazy, off-kelter kind of musical style that somehow encompassed hardcore, soul, and surf rock. An incredible first time listen, at that. But, they completely abandoned that style for "Introducing Foxy" their second album. This album featured a way more garage rock feel, but it still had an upbeat, soulful kind of cheery feel. Having all that in mind, Foxy's self titled release is either going to be an extreme hit or an extreme miss.
The album kicks off with a nice calm little intro that works it's way into an Eric Nally scream (only of the album, kids). The next few songs are extremely cheery and the immediate thing the experienced Foxy listener will pick up on is the improved vocal range of Eric Nally. His voice soars above and beyond in tunes like "Wanna-Be Angel" and "Unstoppable". Foxy absolutely demolishes it on "Oh Lord" the single, which demonstrates Nally's full potential, lyrically and vocally. The chorus soars above and beyond, and the grand finale features a choir in the background. Perfect choice for a great single.
As you will begin to notice, the music is a lot more brighter, using more clean guitars, and the music is overall more piano driven than it ever has been. Nobody said this would be heavy guys, Foxy literally turned their game up a notch. "Bye Bye Symphony" boasts a clean and dare I say bluesy feel. The piano really shines on that track. The most poppy song may have to be "Evil Thoughts" which features a slide guitar and a steady drum beat to tie it all together.
If you're looking for the old Foxy features on this album, look no further than "The Only Way to My Heart". This song definitely beats out the rest, especially with a catchy chorus which speaks out "/The Only Way to My Heart is with an axe/". The piano is eerie and Nally's voice absolutely kills the track. The use of the brass instruments in the background to carry on the overall feel of the track really brings it home. For all you looking for "heavy", the last minute of this song was made for you. It is a chaotic mist of loudness and a chant by Nally.
Overall, this album is completely up to the listener's interpretation. Whatever history the band may or may not interfere with how you interpret this album. Former Foxy fans may be a bit more dissapointed than the new listener looking for a good album. The music is here for the listening. And it is quite good. But the fact remains that Foxy Shazam just might be changing a bit too much for their fans to keep up with. Did they go too far? You tell me.
