Foxy Shazam - The Church of Rock and Roll Review

rating: 4.5

Known for their seemingly uncontainable energy, their self-proclaimed objective to become 'the greatest band in the world' has been taking giant leaps in the last 12 months. Their song from the bands self titled 2010 album 'Unstoppable' was featured during the Super Bowl, and they have just enjoyed an international supporting slot with The Darkness; the fan base is growing rapidly. For this reason, 2011 has been a great year for this very unique band and they certainly hope for more-of-the-same as Foxy Shazam start 2012 with their 4th studio album, The Church of Rock and Roll. (E.M.I) For those who are not aware of Cincinnati's finest, it would seem that they tend not to continue any particular "sound" through to the next album (if you were to compare the band's first album, 2005's The Flamingo Trigger to their 3rd self-titled album you will see exactly what I mean). Although I wouldn't offend the band by suggesting that they are a band of "concept albums". It is obvious that each album explores themes of paternity, hind-sight, human relationships and spirituality (not necessarily religion, as one might assume by the latest album's title). The Church of Rock and Roll continues this tradition of being a celebration towards the trials and tribulations of life whilst certainly not leaving that sickly taste in your mouth. It's an interesting balance. The Church of Rock and Roll consists of 11 tracks and you'd be forgiven for thinking that this album is going to run with notions of religion (what, with the didactic nature front man Eric Nally delivers the album's opening track), but the 2nd track's complete reverse will unsettle you - and not for the first time - as Nally lustfully exclaims "that's the biggest black-ass I've ever seen, and I like it" without any obvious hint of hidden subtext throughout the track. The themes throughout the album are loosely rhizome-like, but it's this that makes the LP certainly memorable. With this being said, this album does contain many soulful elements, like the low hums that accompany 'The Streets' and the almost tribal & percussion backing of '(It's) Too Late Baby', before treating us to the heavy and entirely engaging 'The Temple'. The album is typical Foxy Shazam, with stripped-down moments that draws you in with hypnotic effect - it's very effective. The albums' 36 minute running time is somewhat frustrating -yet not quite as short as 2008's Introducing - but it is effective in staying in the memory. This accompanied with the really quite wonderful vocals of Eric Nally, whose skills seem to be honed wonderfully to the context of each track. I thought the last album was impossible to improve on the aspect, but The Church of Rock and Roll's vocals really are a thing of beauty (there's a note Nally hits in the song 'Holy Touch' which, I swear, nearly left me paralysed). Each of the other 5 members talents shine in moments of this album too, even if the album has an overall less 'raw' feeling than 2008's Introducing. The Band is famously known for their energy performing live shows (I urge you to check footage of their live shows online), and it was apparent that this was replicated in the band's earlier album's, but with The Church of Rock and Roll I can't help but feel as though this energy has been taken and concentrated on how music can make you feel rather than the unusual structure of melody which dominated The Flamingo Trigger, and Introducing. Perhaps this is the reason for the album's title. It's difficult to say this is their finest album to date for the simple reason is that there isn't really another album like it; and that includesFoxy Shazam's previous album. Each album is a knowingly different style and whilst we can absolutely compare, I feel as though it would be fruitless. Some may compare this latest attempt as being very similar to "Queen" in style, or maybe even "The Darkness" (whose front man, Justin Hawkins, produced the album), but I feel The Church of Rock and Roll continues to toy with elements that makes Foxy Shazam so original and one has to respect the band's decision not to conform to a more acknowledged musical style as Foxy Shazam become more and more recognised. I await eagerly the band's next move. 'The Church of Rock and Roll is released 24th January 2012