Record Review: Foxy Shazam

by | Mar 21, 2012 | Reviews

Foxy Shazam

The Church of Rock and Roll

Cincinnati, OH

Melodic, glam super pop with multi-layered harmonies”

On the rise for some time now, Foxy Shazam is ready for the big time with their fourth release, The Church of Rock and Roll. Mixing the sounds of ’70s glam, soul and pop with ’80s hard rock guitar, the band creates hook-laden, energetic, unrelentingly bold super-pop. Eric Nally’s velvety vocals, ranging from tenor to falsetto, easily grasp the powerful, soulful emotion within Foxy Shazam’s songs without sounding faked or stretched. Gospel-style backing vocals create lush, layered harmonies that harken back to the days of Queen, The Sweet and Electric Light Orchestra. All of those big, theatrical vocals on top of a strong rhythm section, trumpets, electric guitars and keyboards easily could have overwhelmed the recording had it not been for excellent production by The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins.

As much as opener “Welcome to the Church of Rock and Roll” honors music, the rest of the album honors relationships. Highlights include steamy hard hitters “Holy Touch” and “The Temple,” as well as the pairing of powerful piano-driven balladry of “(It’s) Too Late Baby,” with the soulful, swaggering ode to monogamy “I Wanna Be Yours.” Ending the album is “Freedom,” an ’80s style power ballad that is made all the better by Foxy Shazam’s incredible vocals. (I.R.S.)

Produced, Engineered and Mixed by Justin Hawkins at Bungalow Castle, Lowestoft, UK

Additional recording by Jesse Korman & Kevin Antrissian at Backroom Studios, Rockaway, NJ

Mastered by Stephen Marcussen at Marcussen Mastering, Hollywood, CA

www.foxyshazam.com