Album Review

Foxy Shazam – Foxy Shazam

• 21st Sep 2010

It may seem unusual that Foxy Shazam’s self-titled album is their third, but upon listening to it, it’s clear: this is a career-defining record. The band seem to have found their niche and created their own revolutionary genre, taking inspiration from everywhere imaginable – classical, gospel, soul, country rock and post-hardcore melt into one to create Foxy’s incomparable sound. The influence of ska-punk hero John Feldmann, who helped to produce and record the album, is also evident in the aggressive insistence of every line and every beat. The album even opens with a chorus of dog barks!

Nally’s vocals are at times comparable to legends Elvis Freddie Mercury, and at others emo favourites Anthony Green and Claudio Sanchez, facilitating the versatility of the band’s sound. Each song incorporates an remarkably wide spectrum of sound, including tinkling keys, fanfares, campfire sing-a-long choruses (particularly notable on single ‘Wanna-Be Angel’).

Every song is so theatrical and emphatic that the album is a ready-made soundtrack to the adults-only Foxy Shazam musical (with choir song ‘Connect’ as the climax). The confident manner with which their sound struts from you stereo will have you utterly convinced they are destined for greatness and will one day create the West End show their music deserves!