The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

If listening to Ariel Pink could be likened to regurgitating the history of AM radio through a post-modern lens, then Foxygen would no doubt be the FM rock radio version. But rather than obscure the era of the songs and mutilate the normal sonic quality of various instruments through peculiar recording techniques, Foxygen serves their music straight up and clean. However, like Pink, they have no problem switching genre or era mid song, even if the switch would seemingly be completely incongruous at first.

Throughout the record, Foxygen very comfortably borrow and mix styles from classic FM radio staples like Bob Dylan, the Kinks, and David Bowie, all the way through to more modern groups like Belle & Sebastian, No Doubt, Mazzy Star, or even MGMT. The songs generally consist of traditional band instrumentation – guitar, drums, bass, keyboard – without indulging in too many effects, pedals and synthesizers, as is common in modern times.

The high quality recording employed by Foxygen on the album also allows listeners to hear the musical versatility of the group’s members. Whilst the album sounds like the work of a group of guys and gals jamming together, recording duties are shared solely by two Californian males, Sam France and Jonathon Rado. Knowing this, it becomes interesting and beautiful to listen to lead vocalist Sam France’s voice as it straddles the line between male and female, as is evident on certain tracks like lead single ‘Shuggie’.

Though Foxygen is thus far generally unknown, the two boys have been playing, recording, and performing together for over ten years since their early teens at school talent shows; the ‘old friend’ comfort and chemistry between the two being clearly evident on the album.