A band that truly was born way too late, Foxygen, has a style of 60's folk/light rock that is anything but a carbon copy of the classic models.With their latest release "We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic", Foxygen really diversifies their styles by taking it in as many directions as they can without leaving their own style of sound. The self loathing lyrics expressing that of love, but knowing one can't have it in songs like "Shuggie" are juxtaposed with the longing to run away with someone to paradise on the trippy tempo changing track "On Blue Mountain". The showmanship of vocalists Sam France in the closing track "Oh No" can be compared to that of Bob Dylan or Mick Jagger. His unique voice expressing through long whines on slow jams or ballads to the shrieks and yelps on the faster jams. The title track on the album really embodies their bands spirit to jam. At the end of the track "Oh Yeah" they also prove they have the technical chops to keep up with the more fast paced, note focused rock groups. Overall the album has too many unique tracks to ignore. Foxygen's nostalgic charm mixed with their innovative use of an array of effects and instruments makes the record one of the best new releases of the new year so far.
Rec Tracks: In the Darkness, No Destruction, On Blue Mountain, Oh Yeah, We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
Listen if you like: Bob Dylan, Wilco, Spoon, MGMT, The Greatful Dead, The Velvet Underground