by Kris Handel
Pet Fox are a Boston based trio combining powerhouse musicians from Ovlov and Grass is Green (amongst many others) that take a cerebral and surprisingly intense approach on fractured post-punk/pop, truly blossoming over time. A Face in Your Life is the third full length from the group and on this record the music continues to smolder with shockingly complex songwriting and a wonderfully flexible approach. There are tinges of early-mid 90's Dischord Records influences here but with a little more apparent vulnerability and some interesting textural and jazzy moments that spring up unexpectedly. The connection that has formed between Theo Hartlett, Morgan Luzzi, and Jesse Weiss is extremely evident as this record flows in a remarkably smooth manner and the interplay between the three is thrilling, continuing to grow in manner of refinement and technique.
"Settle Even" starts the record off with an arpeggiated guitar line from Hartlett, slightly wispy, upper register vocals, and a flowing rhythm section propped up by Luzzi’s bobbing bass. This song slowly builds up to a storming middle as the guitars and Weiss’ crashing drum fills compete for space and power before finding an uneasier peace than that of the beginning. "Checked Out" is the skittering tour de force of the record with spiky guitar and Hartlett's vocals coming close to soaring as the bass bounces in almost joyful interplay with shards of guitar. This is Pet Fox at their most compelling as they play with bouncing melodies and textures that highlight the simmering intensity of emotions finding their way into every coiled moment.
"Hesitate" has Hartlett's vocals a little recessed with reverb, playing well with an unusually tense yet still dream-pop type of atmosphere and spacey jangle. His vocals employs a coo that fits nicely with the initially laid back demeanor before the somewhat signature crunch and storminess the trio are so fond of displaying. "It Won't Last" is a fast paced power-pop blast that is full of chunky guitars and Weiss' powerful storm-like drumming under Hartlett and Luzzi's straining vocals. Pet Fox unload all the tension and anxieties in a blistering manner that punches the listener in the face while also displaying a tenderness that keeps everything warm despite roiling emotions.
This trio keep growing with every record and show off their chops in multiple ways throughout these ten songs, the changes of pace and intensity keeping everything unstable and unpredictable. Hartlett's songwriting has continued to develop more of an assuredness and he has a way of working with melodies that truly lift everything to awe-inspiring heights. The mix of prettiness and grit is something Pet Fox specialize in and the strength and conviction in the delivery and performances deserve all the praise they can handle. This is a record that's heart is readily apparent and should be accepted for the wide spectrums of intensity it shares with the listeners, an achievement that should be truly appreciated by all it manages to touch.