Pitchforks: 5/5
Record Label: I.R.S. Records
“Welcome to the church of rock and roll!” screams Foxy Shazam’s Eric Sean Nally to start off the band’s newest album, “The Church of Rock and Roll.”
This might sound pretty ambitious, but it is actually a fairly accurate statement for a band that considers itself “the Michael Jordan of Rock N’ Roll.” Foxy Shazam’s fourth studio album sets the bar even higher than any of its previous work.
Continuing their streak of glam rock infused with elements of soul and R&B, Foxy Shazam has produced a truly unique album that is way too much fun from the first listen.
Along with the title track that includes a full choir, standout tracks include “Holy Touch,” “Last Chance at Love” and “Wasted Feelings.”
“Holy Touch” shows off Nally’s Freddy Mercury-esque vocal range and grabs a listener’s attention with his impressive falsetto toward the end of the song.
AbsolutePunk perfectly describes “Last Chance at Love” as “illegally catchy.”
The band pushes its own boundaries with this album, drawing from influences such as Nally’s hometown of Cincinnati in “The Streets.”
While their last album was pedal-to-the-metal fast, this one takes the time to slow things down and reflect. “Forever Together” describes Nally’s conflict between the life of a musician and his life as a husband and father of two boys.
Nally’s vocals are not the only impressive component of this album. Guitarist Loren Turner really shines on this record with blistering guitar solos, especially in the final track, “Freedom.” Horn player Alex Nauth adds just the right amount of soul and funk to the album.
Foxy’s goal with this album is to blow the minds of their listeners, and they have succeeded. “The Church of Rock and Roll” contains no filler tracks and is best when listened to all the way through.
This album has set Foxy Shazam well on its way to achieve its lofty goal of being “the biggest band in the world.”
Foxy Shazam will perform with The Darkness at Celebrity Theater on Feb. 18.
Reach the reporter at okhiel@asu.edu.
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