Red Fox Grey Fox

We’ve all encountered moments in our lives when we come across a band that is so unlike any we’ve heard before we’re almost hesitant to give them a second listen. Such is the case with Red Fox Grey Fox. The first song I heard by them is entitled “Bring Back the Coast,” off of their recently-released album, From the Land of Bears, Ice, and Rock. It begins with a drawn-out lyrical sequence sung by Red Fox’s lead vocalist, Pete Miller, who is both a keyboardist and guitarist in the band. At once, Red Fox reminds me of Copeland’s vocal methods, but with a more subtle, soothing aspect. In further comparison to Copeland, Red Fox’s music is more of the minimalist variety, which, surprisingly, allows the listener a more in-depth experience. This minimalist approach, however, doesn’t imply that Red Fox is missing a fundamental element of the music process. Instead, it lets the listener know that each instrument and set of lyrics receives special treatment. Red Fox Grey Fox completes itself with drummer/keyboardist Stephen Lindquist, guitarist/keyboardist Jeremiah Satterthwaite, and bassist/keyboardist Ben Pien. On some of the tracks, Lindquist even plays the bells!

As a self-described aficionado of music, I am always first struck by a band’s musical arrangements. If I’m satisfied, I begin an over-the-surface analysis of the band’s lyrics. With Red Fox, my journey was no different; however, the lyrics I heard immediately resurfaced memories of when I studied American Transcendentalist poetry, which is poetry that is heavily impacted by nature. My shock was apparent; even more, my respect was abundant. It isn’t often that a band manages to reflect standardized poetic techniques. Furthermore, for a band simultaneously to create both music and poetry that are able to stand alone without the aid of the other is rare indeed; so to find a band like Red Fox Grey Fox is quite the feat, but to discover such talent within your own city is nearly unbelievable.

UPDATE: Red Fox Grey Fox’s album, From the Land of Bears, Ice, and Rock, can be purchased through their Myspace.