FUV's New Dig: PHOX

PHOX
PHOX
Partisan / Knitting Factory / Onto Entertainment Records

PHOX is a new six-piece band from Baraboo, Wisconsin. If you're wondering, Baraboo is in southern Wisconsin, about 40 miles northwest of Madison, best known as the original home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. In fact, Baraboo is sometimes referred to as Circus City. While a circus is an attention-grabbing and flashy spectacle, PHOX is the complete opposite. They are gentle. They've been hiding in the shadows, waiting patiently to be discovered. PHOX have been together for a few years and are well established within the music community of Madison.

Monica Martin is the band’s lead singer. In the liner notes of their self-titled debut album, she is credited with crafting the lyrics and melodies, but the entire band collectively gets credit with writing the songs. In addition to Martin, the band features Matteo Roberts, Davey Roberts, Jason Krunnfusz, Zach Johnston and Matt Holmen.

Their debut album, PHOX, introduces us to the soft, sweet and sometimes quirky indie pop that the band has been developing over the last few years. The subdued nature of these songs is enhanced by lush and wispy arrangements and production that, at times, make the songs feel like they could be blown away by a light wind. Each song floats by like a beautiful feather on a warm, pastel breeze.

These unassuming melodies might not always catch your attention at first, but repeated listens will reveal the album’s many hidden charms. When you think about it, PHOX is a lot like the sweet cotton candy you might find at a circus.

Hear a Studio A session with PHOX in the FUV Vault.