Let me present to you Madison’s musical success of the year, the band PHOX.
This funky fusion band gives a new light to indie pop, with enthralling lyrics, complex harmonizing, and remarkable musicianship (not to mention awesome music videos). They started up small, all friends who grew up together in Baraboo, Wisconsin. But as more and more people are starting to discover them, they have gotten big fast.
From playing as an opener for the Lumineers at Apple’s iTunes Festival in London (a big step from Wisconsin) to Lollapalooza, to opening for Laura Mvula (check her out too!), PHOX has finally started to receive some well-deserved attention. Their self-titled debut album comes out June 24, and it is going to be something to check out.
Their most popular song currently is probably “Slow Motion,” complete with a wonderfully unique music video. They also have an EP, Confetti, which has some intricate songs, my favorite being “Clubs and Spades.”
The best part about this band in my opinion is that they sound just as good live as they do in a studio, if not better. Sure, some notes are a little wonky, but they manage to connect with their audience, and make the listeners feel like they are a part of their band, helping make the music with them. It is a beautiful experience, and also just loads of fun, seeing as the whole band is young and full of crazy ideas. They are youthful, quirky and from my state! What’s not to love?
Each member in PHOX has a different and completely individualistic talent that they bring. From trumpets to a wide range of interlocking parts in their songs that change with the beat, from the kazoo to the flugelhorn, this band is sure to always have new grooves with each fresh song. Even if it is just to support a local band, go and check PHOX out.
They start off their tour next month in the U.K, but soon enough they will be back in their home state where you can see them live!
Tuned In is a regular music column written by Michele Haeberlin, Current Staff.
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