An invigorating alt-rock sound shines on “FMLU,” a gem of a track from Canadian artist King of Foxes that pairs infectious immediacy with lyrical explorations of shame — and how it’s weaponized against women in society, as means of control.
Coming via the artist’s upcoming album Hall of Shame, out in September, “FMLU” stirs in its visceral vocal passion and overall structural momentum. “What a fine day for a drive,” the vocals swirl alongside a bouncy synth pulse and buzzing guitar ascents. “I need a reason to fuck my life up,” they enamor as layers of crunching guitars align with the dynamic vocals, now impassioned following the initially debonair drive. “FMLU” is a contagious and emotively affecting success from King of Foxes, who elaborates further on the track’s themes:
“I wanted to explore the concept of shame as something we’ve evolved to feel for social reasons, to survive in groups. But it’s also been weaponized, especially against women, to control us. I wanted to look at the messiest parts of my life, the things that keep me up at night, and ask: why am I driven to basically hate myself? These are things we’re not supposed to talk about, and on this album, I wanted to confront them head-on.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.