Old Fox
Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2018
Music
Press
Honest Words for Honest People is not just the title of Old Fox’s debut EP; it’s the band’s foundation – their guiding principle. Founded in March 2018 by band members Alex and Ralph, Old Fox is a Somerville, Massachusetts-based indie rock band. In their own words, Old Fox is dedicated to “creating simple, vulnerable, and evocative music for anyone who decides to listen.” The band may be freshly formed, but their sound has the maturity and skill of its experienced, multi-talented musicians. The band’s seven members – Alex, guitar and lead vocals; Ralph, trumpet and vocals; Jon, keys; Connor, guitar; Kevin, bass; Sean, percussion; and last but not least, Jody, fiddle – have been garnering attention around the greater Boston area playing at beloved local venues like Great Scott, The Middle East, and Atwood’s Tavern. They’ve already got quite a fanbase – their debut EP is so highly anticipated that the release show sold out within two hours of its announcement, forcing the band to add another date, which also promptly sold out.
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering Old Fox’s debut EP Honest Words for Honest People, independently out everywhere March 22, 2019. Old Fox set the tone with Honest Words for Honest People as this debut EP introduces the world to their sound – one that has the fullness and texture of Americana / roots and the powerful soul of rock. Alex’s lead vocals are comparable to the likes of Ken Block (Sister Hazel) and Adam Duritz (Counting Crows). He’s got pure vocal power that’s both pleasant and striking to behold especially on tracks like “Queen of The Boulevard” and “Memphis.”
As you will discover in the track-by-track below, a number of weighty life lessons and experiences inspired the record’s five tracks. The pre-released single, “I Hope The Children Have Your Hairline,” is an upbeat head-bopper. With slick, yet still honest, lyrics, the track has the facade of a love song, but is at its core an anthem for the lover doing their very best— one who struggles to understand why they deserve love they receive.
"See I’ve grown tired of squeezing water from a stone
If I could splint these sickly bones I’d be alright
See I plan to stay for as long as nature lets me
Please don’t hold this all against me, I’m doing fine
I hope the children have your hairline
Honest words for honest people
I just wanted to feel whole"
The first track on the EP, “Being Saved,” opens with organ synths and juxtaposes the lyrical theme of “growing up in the shadow of the Catholic Church” against power chord guitar lines and heavy percussion. “Limbs” features a fun trumpet counter-melody that playfully converses with the lead vocals. “Memphis” takes a laid back, softer percussive approach featuring different layers of tone and texture. Standing out among the other tracks, synthesized sounds accompany the grooving heartbeat of “Memphis”— the pulsing guitar line over the walking bass. “Queen of the Boulevard” features minute-long interlude with a trumpet solo.
Honest Words for Honest People combines compelling and true-to-experience lyrics with a full force, jam-able indie rock sound making for an EP that instantaneously connects with its audience and resonates with them long afterwards. A band built on honest beginnings that plays for “anyone who decides to listen” instead of being concerned with everyone who should, Old Fox understands the value in staying true to an authentic sound— and clearly, how to make a damn good debut.
Experience the full record via our exclusive stream, and peek inside Old Fox’s Honest Words for Honest People EP with Atwood Magazine as the band provide their personal track-by-track take on the music and lyrics of their debut! - Atwood Magazine
Discography
- I Hope the Children Have Your Hairline (3/1/2019) (single)
- Honest Words for Honest People (3/23/19) (EP)
- What Did You Learn (6/28/19) (EP)
Photos
Bio
Formed in Somerville, MA in March, 2018, the founding members, Alex and Ralph, decided to build the band and its music around the phrase, “honest words for honest people.” The band has since evolved with that goal in mind and has continued to focus on creating simple, vulnerable, and evocative music for anyone who decides to listen.
Old Fox recorded a five song EP titled, Honest Words for Honest People, in early January, 2019, to be released on March 23rd, 2019. A music video featuring their first single titled, I Hope the Children Have Your Hairline, was released on February 17th, 2019, just before the single’s official release on March 1st. The band sold out their EP release show within two hours of its announcement. A second show was added to the same date to accommodate demand, also selling out just days after its announcement. The EP was premiered on March 20th by Atwood Magazine before its release on March 23rd.
The band began as a folk duo; Alex playing guitar while Ralph played the trumpet, both sharing vocals. Jon was brought in next to introduce keys and another layer of vocal harmony. The band then grew with the addition of brothers, Connor and Kevin. A more traditional line up was created with Connor on guitar and vocals and Kevin on Bass. Shortly thereafter, Sean completed the rhythm section, playing drums and providing backup vocals. While preparing for Ralph’s departure to graduate school, the band incorporated Sean’s longtime friend and Berklee classmate, Jody on violin and vocals.
On June 28th, the band released their second EP, What Did You Learn at ONCE Ballroom. While the band was touring the east coast just after the release, the EP began to gain traction at local radio stations.
Old Fox continues to tour regularly, with plans for national tours in the making.
Band Members
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