The introduction for Foxcult’s latest EP is already some new territory for the band, dipping their toes into a ballad-esque track with HOLDING PATTERNS.
Starting off with only some synth and vocalist Audrey Lane to set the tone before guitarist Ashley Carrera subtly joins in with a beautiful guitar lick before the chorus. It’s a slow build song, with each band member joining in along the way to fill it in. Drummer Mia Dawn absolutely steals the show along with Carrera and guitarist Lauren Shimizu in the massive airy bridge before the song comes to an epic conclusion.
FOXCULT also brings some guest appearances on the project this time around like on singles ASTRAL GALLERY and GEMINI 4. Featuring Outline in Color’s own Michael Skaggs and Casey’s Tom Weaver.
Both tunes cover two completely different ideas sonically, with ASTRAL GALLERY being one of the band’s heaviest tunes to date. Michael isn’t wasted here, as he basically closes out the last 30 seconds of the tune in relentless, bouncy fashion.
GEMINI 4 shows the more accessible side of the band, which I think, has some of their strongest vocal hooks to date. Tom adds a beautiful texture with this tune that works extremely well along with Lane’s performance.
I wanted to leave my favourite song for last, and that’s NGC 3603. This is FOXCULT’s best song to date bar none. Every moment of this track is the band at its best. Carrera starts the tune off with a clean guitar riff with Lane’s very relaxed vocal performance, but Dawn sets the tune up rhythmically with her toms that builds intensity for bassist Faye Sardonica to fill the space.
I can’t understate the chorus on this tune, Lane’s vocal delivery here when she sings “Maybe I took the long way out, Maybe I’ve seen it all” and in the second half “Maybe I want to save myself, maybe there’s something more” it’s gritty, it’s passionate and you really feel what she’s saying. Carrera and Shimizu come swinging in with a huge guitar riff that’s gritty and catchy but never overstays its welcome.
THE AMETHYST DRIFT expands on the sound they established on their debut EP in almost every way; it’s more polished, catchy, progressive, and heavy. It’s nothing short of impressive watching this band come into their own with your very eyes.
THE INDIGO FAULT was already extremely well done for a first project, but THE AMETHYST DRIFT you can really hear the band’s chemistry locking in. If you haven’t checked this band out yet, now is the time to do so; because there really is something pretty special here that I think more people need to know about.
5/5
THE AMETHYST DRIFT is available now though through Adventure Cat Records