FOXY SHAZAM "Introducing Foxy Shazam" (New Weathermen) Review by Corey Schmidt
The second release from New Weathermen, Introducing Foxy Shazam is a bizarre record from Cincinnati's FOXY SHAZAM. The quintet takes cues from a number of bands currently popular in the scene and turns them into somewhat unique although nonsensical piano-driven songs. One of the most prominent influences heard here is THE BLOOD BROTHERS, prevalent in songs like "A Dangerous Man" and "It's Hair Smelled Like Bonfire." FOXY partakes in the whole spastic, flamboyant style of hardcore while also adding in a heaping amount of pop and rock swagger. With that said, the band's similarities to CHIODOS must be mentioned. While not quite as annoying, FOXY's over-the-topness and circus-like songs ("Red Cape Diver") are very much inline with Bone Palace Ballet. Eric Nally, the band's vocalist, has an intriguing style that is immediately reminiscent of MODEST MOUSE's Isaac Brock. Like Brock, Nally has no problem carrying a song, but there are times where he reaches for some annoying higher-pitched notes a la CHIODOS' Craig Owens ("Cool"). All in all, Introducing is undoubtedly a fun, danceable record, but FOXY SHAZAM's shortfall comes in their inability to write any lasting material.
