Sweet Foxhound is the latest song by the House Flies that demonstrates their ability to control the tension of the atmosphere and reserve their melodies. It is a Midwest gothic post-punk outfit that knows how to strike the right balance between shadow and light, producing music that is both instant and cinematic at the same time.
Since the beginning, Sweet Foxhound creates a hypnotic attraction. Dark guitar textures criss-cross vibrating bass lines creating a thick sound base upon which spooky vocals ride. The production captures that indefinite feature of having everything spacious and claustrophobic- which is characteristic of the best of post-punk. The vocals of Alex Riggen are suspended over this landscape of the atmosphere with the restraint that never attempts to sell the emotional but leaves the urgency to arise naturally out of the arrangement itself.
The structure of the song shows advanced instincts of songwriting. A gradual build up in the first half creates an atmosphere and anticipation before the chorus kicks into action with a new energy, enticing body, and still managing to keep the track in the brooding mood. The effect of the guitar theme that grounds the chorus is especially effective- memorable but not too derogatory, compelling without being violent. It is also the first studio production to feature second guitarist Burnie Eckardt, whose presence to the sound increases the band sound palette without losing the gothic sensibility.
The House Flies is unique as they do not decide between accessibility and atmosphere. Sweet Foxhound balances the disturbing and the enthralling, with indie- rock melodicity and the jittery energy of post-punk, the textural richness of shoegaze and the hazy warmth of the dream pop. The effect is not so impenetrable but immersive--music that invites close listening and at the same time has a visceral effect.
The evolution of The House Flies is affirmed by the song as artists who can comfortably travel in the shadow without losing their soul in the re-creation of a song that truly resonates with the audience, as a bridge between their Mannequin Deposit and future darker work, Sweet Foxhound, is a clear demonstration of their continued growth in the right direction. This is heart-thumping post-punk under a gothic surface.
