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The Fox ROCKS!

Jonny Wallis ' The Year of the Fox' EP Review

Jonny Wallis, other known as the Fox in The Fox and The Pirate has released an EP yay! When he first told announced that he was releasing an EP I knew I had to have it.. Because seeing him perform solo a few time I absolutely loved the rawness of the music he had played. Think it was at the Yew Tree where Brian and himself had played a few of their own and joined together.

Jonny used to be in a band called 3 Eyed Fox which you may know due to the Bostin' Days album, where they covered 'Julie' but due to musical differences they decided to split but Jonny didn't let this stop him from creating song beautiful, deep songs which are shown on this EP.

 

The EP is made up of 5 tracks, opening with 'Light The Darkness' which opens with some beautiful finger picking. There is something quiet 'Mark Chadwick' solo-esk about this track, but Jonnys voice really stands out from anything else, you can hear the passion behind his lyrics which a lot of artists don't have sometimes on an EP. Maybe it's the mastering which does that, I have no idea i'm no techinical guru haha!

'Crime of Rights' is next which is more up-tempo than the first. When listening to it typing this out, My feet couldn't help but tap along. There is something very unique but familiar about this song, it might be because I have heard it before but, it really reminds me of another song but I can't put my finger on what it reminds me of. There is really is something about Jonny's voice which is really unique and capturing!

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​Next up is 'Social Divide'. Another up beat, can see myself at a festival with a cider dancing along to this vibe. A political, deep song with an upbeat guitar strumming and Jonny's vocals and lyrics on full form.

For the chorus, the guitar is slowed down, which in my eyes makes the lyrics more powerful.. but that is just my opinion!

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'Goodnight Lullaby' is more slow and meaningful song from Jonny. This song was written about the loss of his Dad(I did have to check with Jonny to make sure I didn't get this wrong!), which from the lyrics you can really tell his dad had quite a big influence on him playing music and doing what he wanted to do. This song really feels like him giving a final thank you to his dad for what he did for him and it really is a special song, I nearly had to get the tissues out!

Last but not least is 'Ofsted'. Ofsted inspects services which care for children and young people including schools and other educational places. From my experience, they are quite negative about teacher who don't follow the 'norms' when it comes to education. But what are the norms in education now? As Jonny says, teachers are under enough pressure without them coming in and telling you that your doing it all wrong. This song is very powerful and different on subject matter but, its something which does need to be pointed out!

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All in all Jonny has done an amazing job on this EP and he should be really proud of himself, and I'm certain that he will get a lot of praise for it. Well, Jonny if you read this.. I'm glad I paid extra for it, It was god damn worth it! Jonny is having his EP launch at the Rockstock and Barrel Festival ground the night before Rockstock kicks off, and you'll be sorry if you miss it. You can also order the EP on Bandcamp for either a physical CD or a digital download.

Also, make sure if you see Jonny on a line-up or at a local gig, go check him out and shout EXTERMINATE at him.. Just because he finds it hilarious haha!

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