Review: Stuffed Foxes ‘Standardized’
Discovering Stuffed Foxes, this eclectic French noise-rock collective from Tours, whose name, let’s be clear, would make any avid animal lover turn up their nose, was a delightful stroke of serendipity, sparked by stumbling upon their captivating 2023 Belgrade EP. Instantly intrigued, I found myself eagerly digging into their back catalogue, a vibrant tapestry woven from various stand-alone singles, EPs and a trio of remarkably engaging full-length albums, without considering their 2018 debut nine track Float In The Moonsick Club released via Reverse Tape.
Sonically, the band fearlessly traverses a vast musical landscape, deftly intertwining elements from the gritty, angular noise-rock birthed by the early ‘80s Washington DC scene with the mind-bending British psych noise and alternative rock akin to Head of David, all while infusing their sound with the taut, idiosyncratic textures of early shoegaze noise of Six-By-Seven.
Yet, despite drawing from such a rich well of influences, these six intrepid musicians – who reportedly reside together in a French ‘hippy’ commune – have managed to alchemize these disparate threads into their genuinely distinctive and deeply personal sonic world. This unrelenting spirit of musical exploration and self-discovery reaches its apex on Starndardized, their third and most recent full-length offering, a work that encapsulates the essence of their current sonic identity, a testament to their evolving style and the depths of their creative doughtiness.
The band’s initial two full-length albums, Songs/Revolving and Songs/Motion Return, both released in 2023 through the French record labels Yotanka Records and Reverse Tapes, draw heavy inspiration from the raucous, discordant post-punk sound pioneered by the iconic Gang of Four. Interwoven throughout these albums are haunting, reverberating passages of experimental sonic exploration, evoking comparisons to the atmospheric textures of Oceanside.
A particularly intriguing track is Rough Up, which makes an appearance on both their sophomore release and their most recent album, albeit in strikingly different forms. On Songs/Motion Return, it kicks off with an extended, trippy intro that builds in intensity before erupting into a raw, distorted sound onslaught reminiscent of Sonic Youth at their most unhinged. In contrast, the version found on their latest record takes a more subdued, introspective approach, with a Spiritualized treatment that transforms the song into a hypnotic, meditative experience.
This evolution in sound showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to push their creative boundaries. Their latest album Standardized marks an ongoing evolution in their musical journey, as they fearlessly venture into uncharted sonic territories and craft a sound that is distinctly their own. Unencumbered by expectations or creative constraints, they boldly explore new musical landscapes, infusing their songs with a raw, unbridled energy that pulses through every note.
a dazzling kaleidoscope of diverse musical styles and sounds that playfully clash and intertwine in a spontaneous, extroverted sonic dance…
The eight songs contained within are a dazzling kaleidoscope of diverse musical styles and sounds that playfully clash and intertwine in a spontaneous, extroverted sonic dance. It’s as if Beauty and the Beast discovered a passionate love affair, their contrasting essences melding together in an intimate, idiosyncratic way that only they can understand.
The track Merry Xmas epitomises this dynamic, beginning as an outrageously hardcore, frenetic explosion of energy before transforming into something unexpectedly sweet, sincere and joyful, the instruments battling together in festive glee in a way no other band could possibly pull off.
Pretend To Be A Dog (Gamelle) showcases the fierce strength and penetrating potency of their sound, laced with an underlying sweetness, the lead singer’s impassioned, full-throated vocals soaring above the mix. They drift into a dreamy reverie on I Heard About Love In A Book, conjuring an extraordinary psychedelic-romantic atmosphere reminiscent of a mind-bending collaboration between The Flaming Lips and Arcade Fire.
The experimental title track is a testament to their masterful savoir-faire and savoir être within their musical domain, boldly pushing boundaries. Finally, the acoustic ballad Return brings the album to a poignant close, building to a transcendent crescendo of spiritualist noise that lingers long after the final notes fade away.
Through it all, the band’s inimitable spirit and inventiveness shine through, making for a truly unforgettable listening experience. This newfound sense of artistic freedom allows them to delve deeper into their own psyches, unearthing profound personal truths and weaving them into the very fabric of their music. The result is an album that crackles with intensity and authenticity, as the band’s individual personalities and unique musical voices coalesce into a singular, dominating sound.
From the searing guitar riffs that slice through the air like a razor’s edge to the thunderous drumbeats that reverberate in the listener’s chest to the impassioned vocals that lay bare the depths of the human experience, every element of the album is imbued with a sense of urgency and purpose. This is the sound of a band that has truly come into its own, having shed the shackles of conformity and emerged as a powerful, uncompromising force in the musical world.
Label: Reverse Tapes | Figures Libres Records | Stolen Body Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
