Pure M Magazine Issue 4 Feb. 2015 | Page 40

Tell No Foxx PURE M Magazine Review by Craig Moran L W hat is about Wicklow lately? How can one county foster so much original home grown talent? Tell No Foxx is the latest act to begin making waves in the industry. With rave reviews from the likes of BBC Radio Ulster, commenting on the group’s work as ‘Beautify presented dark and moody production, incredible for a first EP very adventurous’. These lads are definitely the ones to watch in 2015. The trio released their debut EP back in July of 2014 and are set to release their Double A side in late spring. Their sound has been dubbed as ‘Gloom Pop’ by Hot Press, with beautifully crafted lyrics and haunting synths Tell No Foxx will no doubt become a regular fixture on Ireland’s gig circuit over the coming months. As ‘’Boulevard’’ opens it feels almost reminiscent of an Alt J or Foals track, however it offers much more substance. ‘’Boulevard’’ has a chorus that is poetic in language with a sprinkling of intoxicating hooks that will no doubt have the listener nodding in approval. ‘’Boulevard’’ is arguably the standout track on the EP. ‘’Pure’’ is a more sombre number, with melancholic undercurrent mixed with an ominous synth. However, this track isn’t hopelessly depressing, but rather reflective and like ‘’Boulevard’’ it is quite catchy. ‘’Obsolete’’ a gripping track with striking nostalgic tendencies, not so much a break up song, instead focusing on the sheer anguish of a relationship decaying. Its opening sounds almost as if it could be a summer folk song, however it is much honest, don’t let the gentle plucking of guitar strings fool you. ‘Obsolete’ is beautifully orchestrated and painfully honest lyrically. With its arguably wide appeal, this track wouldn’t feel out of place being featured on a breakup scene on the likes of Made in Chelsea. The final song, ‘’Silence’’ is another melancholic laden track from the Wicklow trio. ‘’Silence’’ focuses on a post break up malaise, the inner turmoil manifesting in a desire to get back at the ex. With lyrics like ‘I will haunt you, I will break you’ it truly hones in on the innate nature of this ‘Gloom Pop’ track. The four songs appear to work in a narrative structure, with the first two tracks concentrating on a crumbling relationship, then the third track centralized on a break up and finally track four explores the general discontent of post break up blues. Tell No Foxx is a trio consisting of Luke Lacey, Johnny Flood and Brian Sillery, these lads have created a sound that harks back to Depeche Mode and to a lesser extent The Smiths and Joy Division. However, these guys have something special, these guys have formulated a sobering plethora of gritty hard hitting sounds, Tell No Foxx are antithesis of a boy band. Tell No Foxx have two music videos to accompany their tracks; ‘’Boulevard’’ and ‘’Pure’’. Both videos are not heavily stylized, but rather effortlessly breathe artistic merit. The video for ‘’Pure’’ might not be safe for some workplaces, but it is perfectly fitting with the melancholic lyrics. A simple, yet stunningly shot clip is a must see. It would also be highly recommended to watch the music video for ‘’Boulevard’’, the harsh realism of each scene gives an insight into Tell No Foxx’s sound. Again, the video might not be suitable for some places of work. It would be foolish to say that Tell No Foxx are courting controversy with their videos, but rather they subvert normative ideas of those in power. ‘’Boulevard’’ is another wonderfully shot piece that will surely spark debate once it reaches a wider audience after their EP release. The twist at the end of the video and its shock value is evocative of that of The Prodigy’s infamous video ‘’Smack My Bitch Up’’. L 40