Stuffed Foxes – Standardized (2024)
French post-psych and shoegaze mavens Stuffed Foxes return with Standardized, a mesmerising addition to their already compelling discography. Building on the sonic foundations laid in their 2022 dual releases, ‘Songs’ and ‘Revolving and Songs’, this new effort solidifies their reputation as torchbearers of France’s modern rock underground. Recorded live in Rennes with producer Thomas Poli and masterfully finalised by Matt Colton, the album exudes an unfiltered, raw vitality best described as a swirling tempest of sound and emotion.
From the outset Standardized demands attention. Opening track ‘Biting the Dawn’ unfolds like a storm cloud rolling in, with Léo’s evocative vocals cutting through an escalating deluge of distortion. The track masterfully balances tension and release, a hallmark of the band’s ethos. It’s a cinematic opening, preparing listeners for the twists and turns to follow.
Next comes ‘Merry Xmas’, a fiery highlight. Combining sharp-edged riffs evocative of Gang of Four with moments of soaring, Ride-like euphoria, the track is both urgent and expansive, showing Stuffed Foxes’ knack for marrying post-punk aggression with shoegaze grandeur. ‘Rough Up’, on the other hand, strips things back to a Velvet Underground-inspired simplicity, revealing a tender vulnerability beneath the band’s usual wall of sound. The delicate interplay of acoustic guitars and organs creates a haunting respite amid the album’s relentless energy.
The title track acts as the album’s hypnotic crescendo. With its primal, trance-inducing layers of saturated sound, it harks back to the chaotic beauty of My Bloody Valentine while still maintaining the band’s uniquely visceral edge. It’s a fitting centrepiece encapsulating Stuffed Foxes’ bold push toward artistic liberation.
Stuffed Foxes have always thrived on collaboration and spontaneity and Standardized is a testament to their collective creativity. Forged from endless jam sessions and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries, the album feels alive – an organism growing and changing with every track. While the ghosts of their influences – Swans, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Six By Seven – linger, they’re never enslaved by them. Instead, these inspirations are refracted through a uniquely Stuffed Foxes lens, creating something that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
It’s impossible to discuss Stuffed Foxes without acknowledging their electrifying live presence. While Standardized captures much of the band’s raw, communal energy, these tracks undoubtedly ache to be experienced in person. Their cathartic concerts, marked by swirling noise, hypnotic grooves, and visceral emotionality, are the crucible where their music fully comes to life.
With Standardized, Stuffed Foxes have not only expanded their sonic palette but also transcended the confines of genre. The album is a celebration of chaos and cohesion, of tradition and experimentation. It’s a testament to the power of collective creation and a thrilling milestone for a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. Stuffed Foxes have never sounded more assured – or more free.
Find out more about Stuffed Foxes on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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