Fox Wound - In Passing, You Too Faded (2016)

Coming off the heels of their appearance at Wrecking Ball 2016, the release of In Passing, You Too Faded finds Fox Wound on sure footing and poised to be a serious contender in the emo circuit. Over 34 minutes, the album glides effortlessly from infectious two-step to dreamy, poignant lulls without faltering or missing an opportunity to surprise and thrill along the way.

Fox Wound underwent some soul-searching and personnel changes in the build-up to the record. Vocal and guitar duties are split between founder, chief songwriter, and general pain in the ass Joey McMichen (formerly of Top Bunk) and ex-Rookie Move drummer Richard Philip. Blurry’s Tyler Sidney (bass) and drummer Harrison Lyerly (Hallowed) round out the group’s new lineup.

Rather than offer up an album full of filler with a side of that one song, the band has emerged with a rare gem in today’s pop punk world — a solid, cohesive album. And that’s not just cause for praise. It’s a useful benchmark for ascertaining whether a local band’s greater ambitions are more than just pipe dreams.

As indicated by the title, death is a major theme of the record as several members experienced the loss of loved ones during the writing process. Their grief is made tangible through stirring, prolonged instrumentals that echo with resounding loss. I spoke with McMichen and he explained that these pieces allowed him to speak in ways he simply couldn’t put into words. This is best exemplified in the somber stand-out track “So, Which One is Jim?,” which finds the band humbled and speechless in a haze of starlit guitars and textured shoegaze tension.

With a debut full-length of this caliber, Fox Wound is beginning to earn a little well-deserved visibility in a city rich with talent. I would expect to see them play more of your favorite fests in the near future. These guys have momentum.

Joseph McMichen: Vocals, Guitar
Richard Philip: Vocals, Guitar
Tyler Sidney: Vocals, Bass
Harrison Lyerly: Drums


Track List:
1. Sleight of Hand
2. Waveshine
3. No Johns
4. So, Which One Is Jim?
5. Don't Walk in the Grass Alone
6. Kathryn P.
7. In Passing
8. Remember Me
9. Glendale
10. Colour Me Grey