Foxhole - Push / Pull
Rating
RIYL
Do Make Say ThinkMogwai
Six Parts Seven
The Album Leaf
Tracklist
1. Wake Up, Get Dressed, We're Sinking2. Torrents
3. Portsmouth
4. Forgiving Monarch
5. Song For Wesley
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Making music for the sake of making genuinely good music is a concept that seems to be withering out as record labels continue to push and mold artists towards their own expectations or synthetic ideals. Complete creative freedom is something that is always desired by an artist – whether it be a solo act or a group project – but is rarely accomplished, at least as far as major labels are concerned. Clearly, when too many influences are introduced as push and pull factors, the music ultimately suffers.
Perhaps this is why independent music is so appealing to us, at least those of us who have a higher appreciation for creativity and originality in music. It might be fair to make the assumption that the less influence that is drawn from outside ideologies (namely corporate record labels), the more pure and meaningful the music. Again, the importance of originality is central to our own concept of what constitutes truly good music.
Conventionally, the song consists of the rhythm and lead sections as well as vocals – both internal and external. Conventionally, this is what sells records (not taking into account the pop hooks and overly sappy lyrics). But convention isn’t the essence of music in its most pure and touching form. Enter Foxhole.
First begin by disregarding any prior knowledge of popular music that still remains in your psyche – it will only lead you towards bitter presuppositions about this band. This is experimental, ambient and progressive soft rock. It is completely instrumental and regardless of what the top 40 might suggest, this doesn’t distract from the poignancy of the music. Think of it as neo-classical music composed with indie sensitivities.
Basically, Push/Pull is an extravagant jam session that is thoughtfully composed with emphasis on detail and resonance. The guitar work is simple yet satisfying and develops through soft melody to mid range progressive rock and back down again throughout the five track record. Though at times it seems as if the guitar work should break from its tight rhythm section towards soaring and chaotic vocals, it never does and this is the first instance in Push/Pull where the listener may feel let down. "Wake Up, Get Dressed, We’re Sinking" is the first track in this five-track EP and it sets the tone for much of what is to come. The sweeping guitar rhythm rolls through the entire song and sometimes feels as if it should break from its routine. It is offset only by the trumpet vocals which give the neo-classical feel of a jazz twist. While the horn work is somewhat solidly laid down on Push/Pull, it feels as if it should play a louder role in the music, at least since it is primarily playing the vocal track of the recording.
Foxhole’s latest release is what you would come to expect then you hear the words ambient, experimental, and progressive. It seems as if it would appeal most to those who are technically tuned to the essence of each note and possesses a truly strong sense of musical composition. It is not a major label market release but that’s what allows it to surpass other genres on a qualitative level - through independent music.
--Chad Quenneville
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It's blowin' cool outside today...
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Hey we have similar opinions!!