Home > Music > CD Review > Foxy Shazam, 'Introducing'

Foxy Shazam, 'Introducing'

Raucous, piano-led rock from Ohio players

By Tamara Palmer, Special to Metromix

January 22, 2008

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Backstory: “Introducing” is actually the sophomore effort from this Cincinnati five-piece, who have created a buzz largely due to their relentless touring schedule. Foxy Shazam likes to call itself the “Evel Knievel of Rock ‘n’ Roll” for its musical flights of fancy—which, though led by Schuyler Vaughn White’s pounding piano, include enough guitar daredevilry to satisfy throwers of the goat.

Why you should care: The band’s got a pretty awful name that might lose potential listeners. But don’t let the lame moniker fool you; this isn’t some crappy new female rapper, but a tight group with cross-genre appeal.

Verdict: Frontman Eric Nally has impressive pipes that sound something like Freddie Mercury letting it all hang out—all massive energy and exuberance that should keep listeners engaged throughout party joints like “Yes! Yes! Yes!” and “The Rocketeer.” But the group is at its best with its creepier selections, particularly on “A Dangerous Man” and “Ghost Animals,” the latter of which is as engaging as it is totally macabre (with a refrain that goes, “They took my arms and they threw them over there!”).

X-Factor: Word has it their live show is even more explosive than their albums. If that’s true, earplugs are definitely in order, because “Introducing” is certainly some incendiary fun.

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