Reviews
Artist:Chris Fox Album: In Plain Sight
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: https://www.chrisfoxmusic.org/
Like Luke Jackson, Cambridgeshire born and raised Chris Fox is a singer guitarist whose powerful and confident voice is a considerable instrument. Influenced by John Martyn whose jaunty percussive right hand echoes through tracks like “Better Than That”, Chris is a polished and interesting guitarist without any histrionics, but his material and arrangements mean that his singing is always centre stage. “Diamonds And Gold” presents the folk troubadour’s life and an alternate or antidote to the X Factor career path. Holly Brandon’s violin and John Parker’s upright bass provide accompaniment to Fox’s singing on this strong opening UK Americana real life road song. “Better Than That” has a lithe bounce, with some lovely Bass, percussion and guitar flourishes around Chris’ passionate singing about modern life and aspirations.
“One More For The Road” is a moving song about change and friendship. There is a melancholic edge and Fox’s voice is simply stunning, full of nuance and feeling, a masterclass in subtle inflections. “What Came Over Me” has a beautiful guitar part that chimes with John Parker’s growling bass. The lyric is reflective and delivered with the dry sadness typical of the best of Lyle Lovett, with the words and the sound of Fox’s voice building a considerable atmosphere. Chris’ lyrics are brilliantly phrased too, they flow effortlessly like conversation or good poetry, the word play in “Perfectly Normal” is pure class. Like Jake Thackray, he has impeccable timing, using space pauses and his guitar to build tension in his delivery. “Wandering” reaches out to the wanderlust in all of us, listing the attraction in moving on. Again the arrangement is light as air and as understated as good jazz with Bass, Guitar and Dan Wilde’s percussion singing together behind a summery vocal. “Way Up” could be a surprise airplay or playlist hit. Fox’s acrobatic vocal and the layered groove behind reminded me of Mark Abis’ love song “Summerbreeze” that made that airy acoustic vibe hip in 2005. Surely this tight Pop Folk number has a snappy crafted infectious mass appeal.
“You’ll Never Get Back” is a raw but honest look at mental health, Holly’s violin is soothing and Chris’ vocal is a warm balm. Not an inquisitor. You will be able to hear a pin drop during this one live. “Who Knows”, with an infectious chorus, is a kind retort and examination of the role of musicians, creatives and dreamers who are looking but not pretending to have all the answers. “Dance With The Devil” has a touch of hell raiser Martyn’s “I’d Rather Be The Devil” in its hypnotic pulse. The chorus “If You’re gonna dance with the devil, you’d better lead” is a quote from a chemically charged acquaintance and a good line. Chris a self confessed decaf man takes the sentiment and delivers a powerful upbeat song about being fearless and not taking the easy route or being controlled by doubt or others rules. This is a full blooded folk blues anthem of positivity and hope.
BBC Cambridgeshire, I suspect from their excellent freeform folk show, provides the quote “Chris Fox is the best singer songwriter I have heard in a long time”. Chris stands head and shoulders above a crowded field and it’s hard to argue with or top that.
Marc Higgins
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