It is all about music at the end of the day – BLACK FOXXES reflect on their past experiences and discuss their upcoming debut album.

A while back, at Camden Rocks Festival, I caught up with Exeter’s trio, Black Foxxes to talk about their highly anticipated debut album and exciting time the future holds for them.

Since critically acclaimed debut EP Pines (which was released at the end of 2014), the three-piece has not ceased to astonish their fast growing audience. With an authentic and unadulterated rock and broad vocal range, the music sets they deliver are destined to grace much bigger stages. Having received the likes of Kerrang!, Rock Sound and now BBC Radio 1 they are meant, and definitely ready, to achieve immense things spreading their pure and melodic noise across the globe.

And they’re just getting started.

Now, Black Foxxes are prepping to unleash the almighty sound of their debut album. Being sat in a pub in Camden, they enjoy the afternoon tea and discuss the main theme hidden in the songs, as well as the record’s title track.

The album is all about illness and I think “I’m Not Well” was the obvious choice for the title track – Mark Holley (guitar/vocal) explains. Other songs head towards more specific directions whilst this one encompasses it all.

The band also unveiled the clip for the lead single last month. However, it does not necessarily represent any unequivocal indication to the song itself.

The song and the video have nothing in common – Mark continues. It was meant to be a buzz track but then we decided to add some video content to it. We had a live footage from last year. We basically just put a montage video together but it means absolutely nothing towards the song. It kind of worked out well.

The trio’s debut album I’m Not Well, composed of 11 tracks, is expected to be released on August 19th this year. A varying and plenteous compilation of songs, from already well-known and emotive Pines, to momentous River and pivotal Husk, to many other mysteries.

Any favourites then?

I am a big fan of “How We Rust” – says Ant Thornton (drums). I just think it went down really well.

There’s a song called “Waking Up” which is my personal favourite – adds Tristan Jane (bass). And it’s Mark’s least favourite.

No, it’s not my least favourite! – the singer cuts in.

We’ve talked about it and I think it is – the bassist ponders. We haven’t played it live since we recorded it but it’s gonna be great when we finally get to do that.

But it’s just a small squabble. As they explain, there is not much to argue about.

I don’t think I could manage the full bickering thing – Ant starts. We’re just good friends at the end of the day.

It all kind of comes really naturally – adds Mark. I don’t think we’ve ever fought over songs. The tracks that were going on the album we were like ‘Yeah, that makes sense’. But it was never a long discussion. 

We do have heated discussions about the stuff that doesn’t really matter – the drummer continues. Like things I won’t think of in the five years time. It is all about music at the end of the day.

I think we’re on the same page – Mark sums up. Apart of Tristan’s favourite song.

The big day is getting closer so I ask the guys to describe their debut album in just one word.

Dynamic, maybe – the frontman gives his first guess away. It’s a safe word.

What was the word you used the other day? – Tristan asks Ant.

Whimsy – he answers. But no, it’s definitely not whimsy!

Oh just pick a word! – says Mark.

Thunderous – Tristan makes up his mind.

Honest – Ant decides.

I’ve got a feeling that all those words are a huge underestimation.

It’s been two years since the release of their debut EP. It’s plenty of time but also it’s not. Either way, the band give it some thoughts and reminisce about their greatest achievements so far.

I think playing Reading Festival and Roundhouse was amazing – Mark recalls. But being announced for Riot Fest in America is definitely a massive highlight. We never thought.. Well, we did but that’s really big for us.

The test pressing on the vinyl was pretty monumental too – Tristan mentions.

It’s been a lot – the singer sums up. Every year we joke like “Next year we’re gonna do this and that” and it kind of happens. So we’re a bit scared to say it now.

Having played a few great festivals already, such as Camden Rocks and Download, Black Foxxes will definitely not get a lot of time off. Besides gearing up for Reading and Leeds Festival as well as mentioned earlier Riot Fest, the band has plenty to look forward to. After the album is released, well it will be pretty crazy – as they say.

Black Foxxes‘ upcoming debut album I’m Not Well is due for release on August 19th via Spinefarm Records.

Photo: Kasia Osowiecka