Sam Leathers
When a band releases their first album, it usually becomes one of two things: a trial and error attempt at finding their place or one that defines them, a record that all of their future releases will be stacked against.
For St. Louis, Missouri natives Foxing, it’s the latter. Last November, the quintet released their 10 track, 30 minute debut The Albatross through Count Your Lucky Stars. After burning through copies of their first pressing and touring extensively through living rooms and venues across the country, the band caught the attention of Triple Crown Records, who remixed, remastered and rereleased the album.
The band is currently on their fifth pressing of The Albatross, an album that sounds more like a film score than a collection of songs. Each track weaves together into one cohesive piece, which is a difficult feat for any band, especially on their first full-length record.
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Foxing at Carcosa Monday Night
Foxing’s sound has been placed at the forefront of the emo revival, a claim that entirely undersells the band. While they pull influences from many different directions, they stand on their own feet. Foxing is band that is breathing life into a scene that features a great deal of rinse, wash and repeat – genrefication simply pigeonholes all that they are doing.
Nevertheless, it is the widespread components of Foxing’s music that sets them apart from other bands. Atmospheric post rock elements brush shoulders with orchestral arrangements, and the juxtaposition of the two are a defining trait throughout The Albatross. The rhythm section holds down the fort but is careful to leave breathing room for the intricacy of the guitars. Vocalist Conor Murphy pulls no stops with his melodies. His quiet, shaking falsetto often grows into a roaring croon before becoming a full-throated yell. When Murphy isn’t singing, he’s at times playing horns over the rest of the band.
Foxing spent the better part of October supporting Cymbals Eat Guitars and Brand New on a tour that placed them in front of a thousand or more people every night, a head count atypical of the smaller venues and house shows they have long been accustomed to playing.
The last time Foxing played in Memphis, it was to a moderately sized crowd at Crosstown Arts. This time, they play Carcosa, a living room turned venue, with local openers Gryscl, Wilted, and Kid on a Milk Carton. After the band’s undeniably crazy year, it will be interesting to see what the turn out looks like.