Stuffed Foxes, the boundary-pushing six piece from Tours, France, are back with Standardized, an album that takes their signature post-psych and noise-rock sound to soaring new heights. Since their formation in 2019, the band has gained a reputation for their explosive live shows and fearless experimentation, and this latest effort captures that raw energy while exploring new sonic textures and moods. Citing influences such as My Bloody Valentine, Swans and The Brian Jonestown Massacre the band have a very clear and profound vision for their sound.
“We do not make rock music as part of a business plan (the market is not exactly lucrative); rather, it is a profession of faith, with our musical practice akin to a ritual, a turning point meant to disrupt all senses.”
So, what does this ritual sound like? Let’s drop the needle and find out.
The album opens with ‘Biting the Dawn’ a blistering introduction that envelops the listener in waves of fuzzed-out guitars and hypnotic rhythms. To me the song sounds gargantuan and all consuming. This is grand song writing and the scale of it won’t be lost on anyone. Its boundless energy sets the tone for what’s to come—a relentless journey through soundscapes that are equal parts chaotic and cohesive.
Following this comes ‘Merry Xmas’. Beginning as an intense, stark, driving punk noise poem it blossoms into a Sonic Youth like instrumental. This section is tonally so different to what came before you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a new song altogether, but when those potent guitar riffs return it blows all those misconceptions away.
‘Pretend to Be a Dog’,” is great example of this group’s democratic songwriting. It’s a track that encapsulates everything that makes Stuffed Foxes special. There are sublime moments of calm sublimated with crashing waves of noise, built around a glorious fuzzed out bassline. Its contradictions are its genius and its genius is manyfold.
‘Bees’ offers a hypnotic blend of relentless rhythm and caustic guitars. The track buzzes with a frenetic energy that perfectly mirrors its title, evoking an almost hive-like intensity. The interplay between the pulsating bassline and cascading guitar crashes creates a tension that builds and releases in waves, pulling you deeper into the song’s layered, chaotic beauty. It’s a track that showcases Stuffed Foxes’ ability to create immersive, textured soundscapes while maintaining a razor-sharp edge. If you don’t leave this track breathless you need to check your pulse.
In an almost unique moment of calm ‘Rough Up’ arrives carrying us away on a blissful wave of tranquillity. I’m reminded of the shimmering world created on some of Sonic Boom’s albums or Spectrum. The song demands nothing of you and is wholly giving in its delivery meaning you can lie back and let it wash over you, taking you up on its swells and delivering you happy into the breakers.
‘I Heard About Love in a Book’ follows, a track that melds melody with dissonance in a way that only Stuffed Foxes can. The interplay between the instruments creates a sense of controlled chaos, with moments of clarity emerging from the swirling noise. The vocal interplay in the noisier sections cuts through with clarifying melody. This gives the swirling chaos around them all that more function. A really great production choice.
The title track is next and it dives headlong into experimental territory, blending backward instrumentation with haunting vocals to create a mesmerizing sonic tapestry. Its complexly unapologetic in its exploration and once again cements this band as masters of knowing what their sound is and how to present that to the world.
The album closes with ‘Return’, a beautifully understated piece that strips everything back to its bare essentials. Featuring little more than a vocal melody and a pair of strummed acoustic guitars which encourages you to crank the volume. That’s when they get you. The overblown guitar that kicks in is like Kevin Shields at his best. All-consuming and affirming leading to a meditative conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.
Stuffed Foxes recorded the album live in Rennes, France in the studio of producer and musician Thomas Poli which, for me, creates a visceral listening experience that feels as immediate as it does meticulously crafted. The band’s decision to record in a live setting also adds a layer of intensity and spontaneity that permeates every track.
With Standardized, Stuffed Foxes have crafted a record that is both daring and accessible. It’s an album that demands your attention and rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers with each spin. Fans of noise rock, post-psych, and experimental music will find much to love here.
Standardized is available now on vinyl via the UK’s Stolen Body Records and French labels Reverse Tapes and Figures Libres. You can also check it out on Stuffed Foxes’ Bandcamp page.
You can follow Stuffed Foxes on social media here…
Photo Credit
Flavie Herbreteau
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