Foxwarren: More Than Just Andy Shauf’s Side Project

Reimagining Their Sound
When you hear Foxwarren, you might think of it as the breeding ground for indie darling Andy Shauf. Sure, he’s the frontman, but this Canadian band—also featuring Dallas Bryson and the Kissick brothers, Darryl and Avery—has crafted an identity of its own. After nearly a decade of jamming together, they dropped their self-titled debut in 2018 to rave reviews. Post their 2019 tour, they took a hard left, scrapping their initial studio recordings for what would ultimately become their latest album, 2.

A Virtual Studio Adventure
Fueled by geography and, perhaps, a touch of pandemic inspiration, Foxwarren tried a fresh approach for their new tracks. Imagine a band scattered across the vastness of Canada, each member recording snippets in their home studios and tossing them into a shared folder. Weekly virtual meetings turned those fragments into cohesive tunes, with Shauf orchestrating the chaos through a sampler. The result? A sound that’s catchy yet distant—thrillingly layered but missing some of that raw, relatable charm that made their debut so endearing.

Nostalgia Hits Different
Sonically, Foxwarren leans into nostalgia with 2, evoking the early 20th century while mixing pro tools with vintage strings. Think modern-day Victorian vibes—a delightful pastiche of sounds that might remind listeners of The Avalanches yet maintains a distinct identity. The album drips with production finesse, where every ornamentation feels intentional—even if some snippets don’t take off on the first listen. But hey, good things come to those who persist!

Storytelling 2.0
Shauf has always been a master storyteller, weaving tales from the fabric of everyday life. In 2, his narrative chops shine, serving up lyrical vignettes that feel both personal and universal. It’s a delicate balancing act, and with Shauf at the helm, the album gains a cohesive thread that binds each song like chapters in a novel—albeit a quirky and unpredictable one!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Foxwarren works hard to stamp out the notion that they’re merely a side gig for Shauf. With contributions from Bryson and the Kissick brothers, tracks like “Say It” light up the soundscape, showcasing fiery guitar solos and infectious grooves. On “Listen2me,” Shauf flips the script, going from tender crooner to commanding frontman. “Once I open my mouth / You’ll see how sharp I really am,” he asserts. It’s this duality that breathes new life into the band’s dynamic.

A Surprising Comeback
After a long wait and a hint of skepticism from fans, 2 drops like a surprise gift. While some might miss the warmth of their earlier sound, it’s clear the band has re-energized under Shauf’s guidance. Despite the challenges of crafting an album during odd times, Foxwarren has successfully carved out their space in the indie scene, proving that sometimes distance breeds creativity. So buckle up—this is just the beginning for a band redefining themselves in real-time!

Jamie Li

Covers viral stories, pop culture, and breaking celebrity news.

Bio: Jamie has a sharp eye for what’s buzzing online, tracking social media trends and entertainment headlines around the clock.