Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7.5/10
As a society, as a civilisation, we are doing better when it comes to the thought of helping those with any type of mental health issue, yet still we can be judged for not doing enough, that we don’t take seriously the muted cry for help, the culture of public opinion that can be awkwardly poured over by the media and uncared for by the ignorant.
The distressing cry of realisation that comes with the phrase I’m Not Well, that the understanding of the power of such admissions can be seen as both strong by the compassionate and weak by the insensitive, is one that should never be underestimated, that should never be scorned over by the heartless or cruel.
It is a state of mind that is captured in the debut album by the Black Foxxes, I’m Not Well, and whilst the feeling of exclusion and segregation is not strewn throughout the album, it nevertheless is something that should be admired, appreciated and kept in mind when dealing with the emotions of those feeling the pressure of life and those to without care in their hearts or minds who cannot see the pain inflicted by existence.
Black Foxxes scream with delight, they rage against the darkness and the shroud of guilt imposed by a society that has for the worst part, become blinkered and dissatisfied with their own lives, they take the cruelty handed out and give it back with jubilant cool and a groove that binds each meticulously thought out song with honour and drive.
Drive is a commodity that must never be taken for granted, it is too fleeting a human feeling that soon diminishes if not cared for and fed with great attention. Drive is certainly what is at the heart of I’m Not Well, the flourish of ambition is strong in the band and one that is heard throughout, the social thoughts, the sense of self preservation and fight is endearing.
In tracks such as the superb opener and album title track, I’m Not Well, Whatever Lets You Cope, Maple Summer, Slow Jams Forever and Pines, Black Foxxes allow the tension of modern life to be concentrated and precise. It is to the band’s credit that they have succeeded in getting their message across with such clarity and with sprit intact. I’m Not Well may be a cause for hunting down the truth and delivering it with passion.
Ian D. Hall