Tell No Foxx
PURE M Magazine
Review by Craig Moran
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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’’.
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