For a band whose members mostly hail from Barrie, Fox Jaws has a healthy urban tilt. Or at least it’s starting to lean that way.
On the five-piece’s second album, At Odds (Or Exercises In Separation While United In The Fall) the group has moved away from the folk-based dangle of its first record, finding a “rockier” more driving sound that could ultimately set it apart in the ever-growing field of indie Canadiana.
Particularly enjoyable on this new disc are the smoke-laced, yet soaring vocals of front woman Carleigh Aikins, whose “du Maurier sound" is a throaty, seasoned, yet intensely feminine cover over what is otherwise essentially well-built, accessible fuzz rock.
In an alley behind the El Mocambo ahead of the group's CD release Friday, the band hinted - between interruptions from squatters and various vehicles - at what if feels was accomplished with this second effort.
"It's probably fair to say that this is a bit more of a representation of what we sound like live," noted bassist Evan Rosevear.
Good natured and in high spirits, the group continued reflecting on its latest work by furthering a metaphor originally put forth by guitarist Andrew Shropshire, which likened the record to driving down a rural road at night with your headlights off.
"It's not straight line," he continued. "It's got some big moments and it's got some quiet moments."
Drummer Brandyn Aikins furthered the metaphor, using a hovering helicopter as a natural segue to discuss the new disc’s direction.
“The last one it was a Cessna airplane, this is more like a search chopper,” he suggested.
“We still have more potential to find ... the search chopper is still looking.”
Fans, however, need look no further than this record to see what Fox Jaws are capable of. Joining local acts and CityNews.ca faves Rival Boys and Major Grange, Friday was a testament to this brand of city rock with country tints.
Just see At Odds track "Two By Two" and think of, say, a peaking (as ridiculous as it might sound) Melissa Etheridge over the driving harmonics of say, Wintersleep.
It’s a steady, even album, aided in its creation by the support of Nevado Records, the local imprint behind this release, a huge difference according to the band.
“We knew that once the record was made there was a label behind us,” Carleigh said. “In terms of knowing where it was going, that someone was supporting it, backing it up.”
And yet there’s apparent room for improvement. It doesn't seem to have taken Fox Jaws long to arrive at that.
“The next one will be more four stars instead of three,” Brandyn offered with a laugh before Carleigh chimed in, providing her own take on degree of satisfaction.
“Three and a half.”
Fox Jaws next Toronto date is Sept. 25 at Lee’s Palace.
FOX JAWS CD RELEASE SHOW @ EL MOCAMBO (vid contains mature language)
Fox Jaws on MySpace
Photos From The CD Release Show
Major Grange On MySpace
Rival Boys On MySpace
See more from this and other shows at The Untold City
aaron.miller@citynews.ca