The House Flies – Sweet Foxhound (2025)
Formed a few years back in the Midwest, gothic post-punk quartet set out to create a sound as unique as it is familiar. Weaving together a brooding melodic sound, post-punk textures, and a haunting ambience, there is a reminiscence of bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode, but a contemporary edginess kicks things from vintage to modern-day… or they’re just dragging us back to the 1980s to revel in the best of post-punk. Technically formed as a trio, 2024 saw The House Flies move from three lads to four as second guitarist Burnie Eckardt joined Alex Riggen (vocals and guitar), Ozzie Woods (bass), and Nick Pompou (drums). Today, we take a look at their most recent single – and the first official recording with Eckardt – ‘Sweet Foxhound’.
Following the well-received 2024 album, Mannequin Deposit, The House Flies continue their evolution in sound, extending their reach to capture, entwine, and embrace diverse genres with ‘Sweet Foxhound’. While the opening leans on whispers of Depeche Mode, the combination of pulsating drums, bold bass, and soaring guitars leaps from yesteryear toward an alternative rock-inspired melody. For me, the first couple of minutes seemingly lull you into a comfortable kaleidoscopic blanket; however, a crescendo to a scorching guitar hits you between the eyes at the 2-minute mark, showcasing The House Flies’ versatility and demand to step outside of genre definition.
Interestingly, while ‘Sweet Foxhound’ has a sense of harmony lingering within the melody, the lads pull at that rhythmic string with individuality. As much as there is a united whole, distortion exists, kicking the track with a skin-tingling, gut-punching, almost uncomfortable brashness to excite, intrigue, and keep you guessing.
So, my overall opinion of The House Flies and ‘Sweet Foxhoud’? Not overly memorable, but certainly a track to make your skin tingle with its melodic rollercoaster. I understand why The House Flies are quickly building a following, but I am still looking for that extra something-something in their music.
In addition to the single, The House Flies released an official music video for ‘Sweet Foxhound’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about The House Flies on their Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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