 I have to tell you; I put off reviewing this album for quite some time... The front cover (see for yourselves) and the name of the band, didn't sit too tight with me; in fact, I felt strangely uncomfortable. I thought the band were going to sound like some sort of cheesy, stadium rock outfit, and for the most part I was proven wrong... Foxy Shazam sound like Meatloaf had he grown up listening to hardcore-punk; all ten Piano/Keyboard driven tracks giving you a desire to stand-up and shake your ass like you’re at a Honky Tonk bar in Memphis. Stand out tracks are 'The Rocketeer' a pretty self explanatory song (it's about the cult comic book hero) which features a fantastic 5-4-3-2-1 countdown chorus and a 'yes yes yes' that has such an irresistible piano riff you’ll want to jump-up and swing dance with everyone on the bus, tube or train; kind of like a scene out of 'Happy Days'. It also shows (again) that they're quite capable of catchy shout along choruses. Foxy Shazam (having listened to the album the name makes perfect sense now) are easily the best new band I've had the pleasure of hearing. One can only hope they'll make it over to England soon, as I'm sure that there live show will be even more thrilling than listening to them on CD. Words: Andrew Devine |
