Gavin Fox – Awakened (2022)
It is hard to believe that Irish artist Gavin Fox only began his musical pursuits two years ago at age 40. The sophistication and sentimentality evident in Fox’s work far exceed the two years since he began releasing original material – in fact, when listening to his material you might consider him a musical veteran with years of experience. Earlier this year I was gobsmacked with his single ‘Lay Down Low’ (in a good way) and he continued to astonish me with the single ‘Tell Me So’ (also in a good way). Come with me now as I delve into his latest release Awakened.
Compared to James Blunt, David Gray and James Taylor, Fox has created an image of a soothing indie-folk artist, but Awakened shows there is so much more to him. Ranging from alternative folk to rock to pop and tinges of Americana, Fox highlights his versatility, flexibility and innovativeness as an artist. I like to believe that this versatility is part of his evolution as a musician and artist. Fox explains that his music is honest, compelling and a true representation of his self-growth in a superficial reality.
“I realised I had created an image that I portrayed to the outside world; it wasn’t the real me…Sometimes the most painful thing you can do is look deep within yourself. If it’s dark, you don’t want to go there again, but it was the best thing I ever did… I’m proud of this album and I want to share it, but it’s not about me trying to be a superstar. It’s about me sharing my story and perhaps inspiring somebody else to awaken their soul…” – Gavin Fox on Awakened.
The debut album from Fox, Awakened, features 12 tracks of heartfelt storytelling intertwined with sincerity, sentimentality and honesty. Fox opens with ‘Lay Down Low’ – an upbeat, optimistic song touching on empowerment with his bold, rich vocals certainly making you feel like you can take on the world! One aspect of Gavin Fox I enjoy is his tender narratives that not only tell you about his personal experiences but promote empowerment for audiences.
As I mentioned, Fox shows versatility in his music proving that he is not to be pigeon-holed. In ‘Tale of a Broken Man’ he adopts a more rock-inspired tone where a blues guitar meets pounding drums. This is an intriguing diversion from his softer songs, and I can easily see him sitting on the porch singing about how he dealt with difficult life situations; kind of like those people in the movies teaching the younger folk life lessons through song. The personal narrative is particularly intriguing in ‘Tale of a Broken Man’ and ‘I’m Not Alone’ where Fox adopts a heavier, hard-hitting style trying to get the message through of how he came out at the end of the tunnel.
My favourite track might be ‘You Came Along’. As with the others, Fox’s bold vocals express the innermost core of the song and in ‘You Came Along’ the desperation and pain ooze out. The interjection of strings in the arrangement further plucks at my heartstrings connecting with listeners on a deeper level. Yet, while there is a darkness in the track, Fox again pulls you out of the dark with positivity as he finds clarity and believes there is nothing you cannot be or do.
Using his acoustic guitar skills throughout Awakened, Fox touches that more fragile and delicate part of our lives. In the final ‘The Time Is Now’ he acts as a friend helping you take stock of what life holds and how taking control can lead you to a better place. As the track progresses it slowly peters out making you feel comfortable, soothed and more prepared for self-discovery and growth. The saying goes that procrastination is the thief of time and in ‘The Time Is Now’ Fox pushes you to take control without further delay. The thing is if my period of procrastination involves listening to Awakened, I might just put things off for a little longer.
For more from Gavin Fox check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
