Black Fox have done their homework. That is, they’re well-schooled in all the coolest indie rock sounds of the last thirty years.
On Line Of Sight, their sometimes stunning, sometimes lacklustre debut, thoughtful listeners will detect shoegaze, grunge, garage rock and British indie-pop influences.
This isn’t a bad thing, after all, where would rock be without its rolling cycle of inspiration and appropriation. However, it does mean for an album like Line of Sight to truly succeed, the songs need to be nothing short of brilliant.
The Melbourne five-piece arrive with standout track “Day In Lieu”, an engaging cut of dark garage rock, a la Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The sublimely catchy “Beatles Party” also impresses, with sweeping synths that gleefully ape The Cure. “Suburban Rooms” is a well-executed update on Echo and The Bunnymen while the unexpected saxophone solo on “Monarch” provides a further highlight.
Unfortunately, things aren’t always so effortless. Line Of Sight‘s key flaw is not uncommon for a debut long-player – there’s too much filler.
The blues rock posturing of “Stag” goes nowhere fast. “Burgle” is mostly forgettable. Six minute closer “Take It To The Grave” falls somewhere between Oasis’ “Columbia” and Kasabian’s “L.S.F”, only without the power and melodicism of either band.
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At only nine songs and 33 minutes, Line Of Sight shouldn’t overstay its welcome. But when at least a third of the album is worth skipping, something is probably amiss.
Black Fox show glimpses of brilliance on their first outing. With a healthy helping of consistency next time around, their sophomore effort should be an exciting prospect.
