Tours-based post-psych and deep-shoegaze powerhouse Stuffed Foxes are set to release their third LP, Standardized, on December 6th, 2024, via Bristol’s Stolen Body Records and French labels Reverse Tapes and Figures Libres. Today they disclose the first single ‘Pretend to Be a Dog (Gamelle)’ and its accompanying video.
They say about the new track: “We started jamming this song during a residency in Orléans. The idea was to craft powerful, crashing sound waves interspersed with moments of calm and melody. These bursts were thrilling to play, and the main theme grew richer over time with the six of us contributing to the overall texture. This may be the track we are most proud of, with each of us expressing ourselves and fitting together. For the end of the song, Simon played a raw, noise-driven bassline, and we decided to push it to the forefront in an extreme way, weaving these clear guitar patterns around it.”
Songs / Revolving and Songs / Motion Return, a discographic diptych released in 2022, established Stuffed Foxes as accomplished ambassadors of the French rock scene. True to its predecessors, Standardized was recorded live in the Rennes studio of producer and musician Thomas Poli (Laetitia Sheriff, Dominique A). Mastering was entrusted to Matt Colton (Spiritualized, Swans, Shame).
Early on, the six members transformed their youthful camaraderie into an adventure, embracing communal living (sharing a leaky roof had to be an integral part of the ride) and diving into the underground with their label, Reverse Tapes, a source of endless exciting music. They also adopted a democratic approach to creation fueled by endless jams, with the sexted striving to compose together from the outset. It is from this collective spontaneity that the unique expression of their music is born: long, hypnotic tracks, swirling mists of noise, and moments of vocal urgency that should be experienced in person during their invariably cathartic and incendiary concerts. It is a band that strives to stay true to its ethos, its soul haunted but never enthralled by the ghosts of its musical ancestors and battered icons. Their influences create joyful chaos: the musical walls of noise of My Bloody Valentine, the No-Wave drones of Swans, the psychedelic vapours of Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Post- Shoegaze eclectism of Six-By-Seven.
Songs / Revolving and Songs / Motion Return, a discographic diptych released in 2022, established Stuffed Foxes as accomplished ambassadors of the French rock scene. True to its predecessors, Standardized was recorded live in the Rennes studio of producer and musician Thomas Poli (Laetitia Sheriff, Dominique A). Mastering was entrusted to Matt Colton (Spiritualized, Swans, Shame).
Early on, the six members transformed their youthful camaraderie into an adventure, embracing communal living (sharing a leaky roof had to be an integral part of the ride) and diving into the underground with their label, Reverse Tapes, a source of endless exciting music. They also adopted a democratic approach to creation fueled by endless jams, with the sexted striving to compose together from the outset. It is from this collective spontaneity that the unique expression of their music is born: long, hypnotic tracks, swirling mists of noise, and moments of vocal urgency that should be experienced in person during their invariably cathartic and incendiary concerts. It is a band that strives to stay true to its ethos, its soul haunted but never enthralled by the ghosts of its musical ancestors and battered icons. Their influences create joyful chaos: the musical walls of noise of My Bloody Valentine, the No-Wave drones of Swans, the psychedelic vapours of Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Post- Shoegaze eclectism of Six-By-Seven.
Standardized opens with Biting the Dawn, a Noise elegy that builds with relentless intensity. Léo’s recitative voice soars above a searing blend of saturated guitars and echo-drenched drums. Next, Merry Xmas unleashes sharp, incisive guitar riffs reminiscent of Gang of Four and Fugazi, only to surprise with a dramatic twist that builds to a breathtaking, soaring climax echoing the brilliance of Ride’s most epic moments. Rough Up emerges as a Velvet Underground-inspired ballad, built on two simple acoustic guitar chords and an organ, showcasing a more subdued and vulnerable side of the band. In contrast, Standardized plunges into a powerful trance, unleashing a massive, deliciously primal wall of saturation with raw, unfiltered intensity.
With Standardized, Stuffed Foxes appear to have reached an aesthetic milestone, transcending the semantics of the genres that once defined them. They have ‘de-standardized’ their sound and embraced a sense of freedom, opening up to the possibilities of a wider creative spectrum.
UPCOMING SHOWS
07.09.24 FR Morogues – Berry Social Club
24.10.24 ESP Tolosa – Bonberenea
26.10.24 ESP Barcelona – Fusiònica Festival
30.10.24 FR Clermont-Ferrand – Le Lieu Dit
02.11.24 FR Redon – Ile Fest
6.12.24 FR Tours – le temps machine
17.2.25 UK Bristol – The Lanes
18.2.25 Uk NORWICH – Voodoo Daddy’s
19.2.25 UK NEWCASTLE – Zerox
20.2.25 UK GLASGOW – Bloc
21.2.25 UK LONDON – Strongroom
23.2.25 UK Bristol – The Lanes
22.3.25 NL DORDRECHT – Doors
Thoughts Words Action 