On The Other Side
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The brothers Shannon and Spence Koehler are the driving forces behind The Stone Foxes, who embrace ideas from blues, psychedelia and Americana in their very creative formula.
“Man’s Red Fire” opens the listen with moody organ and a thick, soaring presence of bright, orchestral ideas amid the marching band style drumming, and “Time Is A Killer” follows with some garage rock swagger that’s stylish and punchy.
Further on, “On The Other Side” starts with whistling and a mysterious atmosphere before a lush, pretty climate flows with a distinct dreaminess, while “Norah Jones” bring plenty of hand clapping fun to the playful folk-pop ideas.
Landing near the end, “On The Vine” almost touches on gospel influences, where plenty of soul is present and appreciated, and “Perfect For Me” exits with a lush intimacy that’s poetic, warm and makes great use of pedal steel.
The siblings welcome Ian McDonald (Farfisa keys), Elliott Peck and Zola (high-octave vocalists), Marcus Stephens (horns), Mario Silva (trumpet), and Danny Lubin-Laden (trombone) to the listen, and together it’s a cinematic, nostalgic, sonically exciting listen that made me a fan pretty quick.
Travels well with: Patrick Sweany- Close To The Floor; Churchwood- 6: The Boule Oui