When a band changes its sound, the first listen is hard. It discourages you as the new sound makes you feel uncomfortable with the band you once knew to have a certain face, a certain way of making their music. This is especially true in particular styles of music; think cliches like Bob Dylan. This guy walked out on stage with an electric guitar and rocked in front of earth-loving acoustic hippies who hated every minute of it. He did it anyway to show that he was trying to change and differentiate himself from the rest. Look at him now, one of the greatest musicians of all time. This musical change individualizes a band into new ways of musical thinking. They’re trying to prove they can be different and will be different; most trying to expand the limits of their music and genre. Foxing does just this in their new album Dealer.
The emo post-rock group out of St. Louis is different. Foxing’s Dealer pushes away from their first album, The Albatross, and expands the reach of the band along with the musical technicality from each member. Bassist Josh Coll calls the album an “answer” to their previous album in an effort to put the album to rest.
Dealer, the 11 song release, has a body. It’s a heavy, well thought-out album with ups and downs from song to song. One moment, you feel the gentle emotion in lead singer Conor Murphy voice, then you’re hit hard with build-up and musicianship. The album starts with the song “Weave” which immediately alters what you thought Foxing once was. “Weave” is a delicate, beautiful song that shows Foxing in a softer light unlike the power of songs from The Albatros. The following songs, “The Magdalene” and “Night Channels”, are still different from Foxing’s old sound, but bring you back to the powerful roots that made Foxing who they are. The album progresses with highs and lows, telling a story with sound throughout. “Glass Coughs”, possibly one of the best songs on the album, features everything Foxing has to offer, showing off their concise instrumentals and Murphy’s vocal range. The album is a work of art.
A Foxing fan or not, listen to this album. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock, punk rock, or classic rock, this album dives into every sound rock has to offer. Dealer is a ride through Foxing’s progression and shows the maturity in their music. It is perfect in every sense of the word.
Tyler Springsteen