Fifth-wave emo crew Foxing have experienced a palpable evolution across their 13 years as a band. Their early records have elements of math rock and orchestral indie rock, whereas 2021’s Draw Down The Moon doubled down on soaring art pop. All along, though, the band — vocalist Conor Murphy, guitarist Eric Hudson, drummer Jon Hellwig, and bassist Brett Torrence, who joined after years of being a touring member — have been moving toward greater independence. That’s never been more evident on their new self-titled album, which arrives this Friday (Sept. 13) on the band’s Grand Paradise label. Heralded by a fake press conference in their hometown of St. Louis, the LP was entirely produced and mixed by Hudson, whereas Murphy and Torrence dreamed up the cover art. The outcome is a stunning, masterful collection of songs that balances hope and anger in two hands. Whether you’re drawn to the gut-wrenching screams of “Hell 99,” the build-and-release tension of “Spit,” or the dizzyingly slow burn of “Greyhound,” Foxing’s ambition and emotional profundity resonate through all 13 tracks.
Read more: Inside Balance and Composure’s long-awaited comeback shows
Before the band headed out on tour with From Indian Lakes, they led us through a handful of the songs that influenced the diverse dynamics of their new album.
Low – “Quorum”
I love Low, and they have been artistically challenging and inspiring for me since I was young.
Car Bomb – “Sets” (feat. Frank Mullen of Suffocation)
I love this guitarist’s riffs and use of pitch bending to create robotic guitar sounds.
The Chameleons – “Second Skin”
The switch-up in this song halfway through has made me cry.
Lantlôs – “Melting Sun IV: Jade Fields”
This song reminded me that tremolo riffs are badass.
Refused – “New Noise”
This is one of the first punk records I liked as a kid, and as an adult, I finally made some stuff that is directly inspired by it.
Jon Hassell – “Blues Nile”
Sometimes I’ll just sit in a dark room and put this on really loud.
SUUNS – “2020”
This song reminds me playing guitar doesn’t have to be serious, and this riff is one of my favorites ever.
MSPAINT – “Delete It” (feat. Militarie Gun)
Just love this band and think they’re very unique.
Loma Prieta – “Armor”
This is the screamo band I grew up seeing at shows and listening to. Love them.
Sheck Wes – “Mo Bamba”
I just think this song rocks and is a great palate cleanser for me when I’m taking things too seriously.
