Last Of Many by The Foxes (05/12/11)
‘Last of Many’ is the début album from London’s own The Foxes, I can only say what a glorious delight it really is. Full of illustrious melodies and witty lyricism, its full of great examples of what eminent song writing is all about.
First thing that strikes me about ‘Last of Many’ is how effortless it sounds. A free-flowing form of expression that lead singer Nigel captures wonderfully at times. Take opening track ‘Suzy’, equal amounts of riotous behaviour and sentimental cheekiness. Groovy bass and guitar work and with a huge sublime but pounding chorus. ‘Run’ showcase’s Nigel’s rather dashing falsetto and carefully thought out songwriting technique. With its change of tempo and structure going from Beatles-esque to 50′s Rockabilly in under two minutes, its something that should be applauded.
A personal favourite being ‘Sweet Little Wonder’, a beautiful ode to someone very close to the songwriter’s heart. Sentimental, touching and with charming harmonies, many a heart will swoon upon listening to it. ‘Get Me’ is fast and frenetic and has a not so annoying but catchy ‘da da da da’ moment. Hook after hook, The Foxes just demonstrate bright and infectious composition like no other. ‘Country Low’ was one of the first songs to be taken from this album and put out there to their willing public. It accompanies a very classic looking video game tribute music video, which you will get to see in a bit just down at the bottom.
Now one of my favourites has to be ‘Sad Thing’. It starts off slow, just Nigel and an acoustic guitar and it gradually builds along nicely upon a ringing chord sequence. Then POW comes this huge chorus that sends shivers down your spine as it kicks in, amazing. They finish with ‘Sorry To Leave You’ which again has those great sounding harmonies and slender guitar picking hooks. With echoes of Futureheads and Divine Comedy, a sweet little finish to what is an accomplishment of a début.
‘Last Of Many’ is an album of love, loss and life and in its core is full of careful storytelling and audacious banter. Every time you will hear this album, it will, as The Beatles once sang, “guaranteed to raise a smile”. A joyous triumphant and a lesson in classic pop songwriting.
Country Low Video
