“Muay Thai Bag” by Foxcall

#FeatureFriday

This week, we all listened to “Muay Thai Bag” by @jonathanmerkt.bsky.social’s an album of 5 short tracks that builds in intensity as it progresses. My favorite was the 4th track, “A Mad Fairy.”

Aaron Smith

You like shoegaze? Lofi? Then this one is for you. Short and sweet five tracks project for your week end’s playlist.

Five piece album that’s just short enough to get you to replay it and get you addicted to it’s lofi shoegaze goodness. You shouldn’t need more to press play.

 

Foxy HxC Macfly ♪🜏

The use of drones/pedal tones and subtle drums really sell these songs, it maybe lo-fi or considered a bedroom recording by Foxcall’s Jonathan Merkt but with earphones it sounds balanced, textured and ultimately musical. It feels in places almost like a lullaby, the softly sung vocals (apart from penultimate track ‘A Mad Fairy’ and final track ‘Elfsworld’) –

The guitar parts are played well, executing simple but effective ideas. It’s melancholic but feels uplifting at the same time. It has that late 90s alternative feel in the first half. The second half seems to develop vocally implementing a more screamed aggressive vocal performance to juxtapose the lilting soft delivery of the earlier tracks.

Overall this is a very listenable recording. All 5 tracks sit well together, it never gets boring. Give it listen. If you like it buy.

 

This record is SO smooth, and it was tough to pick a favorite because the album has such a good flow, so I chose the finale! This album was really good, I love the newer lofi feel juxtaposed with 90’s alternative and shoegaze!

Mortamar Kahn 🍉

I found “Muay Thai Bag” by Jonathan ”Foxcall” Merkt to be very relaxing. As expected from a minimalist shoe gaze work, it features soft, almost aspirated vocals and an electric guitar with light percussion. This minimalism is somewhat deceiving, however. In “A Mad Fairy“ the drumming becomes significantly more dynamic and involved and screaming is introduced to the vocals. In several songs, the guitar work feels the slightest bit out of tune, leading to the listener feeling uncomfortable and uneasy.

Small touches like these do a massive amount of work for the storytelling and general atmosphere of the album. My impression is, that there is an escalation throughout the tracks happening; softer and more subtle than a conventional crescendo. Combining this musical approach with the repetition in the lyrics made me feel like Jonathan wants to convey a deterioration of sorts, possibly one of mental health.

This is further enhanced by the production, or the lack thereof. I very much appreciate this raw and honest mix, even though at times the vocals get drowned out. But I believe this is intentional, to aid in the storytelling. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this album and can absolutely recommend it! With under ten minutes, it is not a tremendous time investment either.

Florgoth

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Why not check out Ether Diver’s musings another people’s music:

Other People’s Music

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Previously on #FeatureFriday

A Place To Go When You Need To Hide by Rose Alaimo

#FeatureFriday – And the Bones by Dr. Organ

#FeatureFriday WIENER DEMEANOR by Cheer Captain

#FeatureFriday – Effusion by Sweet Freeze

Beginings Revisted by Jim France

Recording in Progress by Aaron Smith

Believer, a.k.a. The Last Shall Be the First

Scrapyard Boyz: Ultra Despair Duo – Grizzly, Slogan

The Nirvana Fallacy (or, Mania and Her Sophomore Slump) – Saint Louie

X by Everything’s a Crime

Take to The Streets by Eparapo

Ashenheart – Faded Gold

Underground by Trina Chakrabarti

Happy New Year #Feature Friday

Adrift by Angry Blue Planet

Hells Bells – Dallas Orbiter’s Spaceman Things

• #FeatureFriday – 1991 by Maisie Marra
• “Muay Thai Bag” by Foxcall
• A Place To Go When You Need To Hide by Rose Alaimo
• #FeatureFriday – And the Bones by Dr. Organ
• #FeatureFriday WIENER DEMEANOR by Cheer Captain
• #FeatureFriday – Effusion by Sweet Freeze
• Beginings Revisted by Jim France
• Recording in Progress by Aaron Smith
• Believer, a.k.a. The Last Shall Be the First
• Scrapyard Boyz: Ultra Despair Duo – Grizzly, Slogan
• The Nirvana Fallacy (or, Mania and Her Sophomore Slump) – Saint Louie
• The Cocker Spaniels Are Still Alive, And So Are You
• X by Everything’s a Crime
• Take to The Streets by Eparapo
• Ashenheart – Faded Gold
• Underground by Trina Chakrabarti
• Happy New Year #Feature Friday
• Adrift by Angry Blue Planet
• Hells Bells – Dallas Orbiter’s Spaceman Things