Review Summary: I never thought Foxy Shazam could relate to auditory education, but it just did.
The auditory system can simply be defined as the neurological structures, including the several pathways, that allow the perception of sound to occur. The auditory system's definition may seem to be just a formal elucidation for hearing, but the whole system has truly the world to offer us. Now, whilst most of the world imagines this system to be responsible for solely hearing and nothing else, the mind can be dramatically effected by audio. For example, an audiophile may relate to a piece of music on one of the deepest emotional levels. Another example of the aforementioned system helping the world in terms of education. Auditory education, the process of learning and recognition via sound, has ultimately changed the way education's future path will be formed ahead of time. Things that people learn are being expanded and easier to understand due to this form of education. And one of these things that the world is learning about is the ever expanding horizon of music. Artists nowadays are diving deeper and deeper into the ocean of obscurity. Bands are adding random keyboard breaks in the middle of their songs, they are mixing jazz with post-rock and that with post-hardcore. Suddenly, the most obscure artists are adept rather than inept as they once were. This is where Foxy Shazam's The Flamingo Trigger comes in.
Beginning with the thought-provoking “The French Passion of Animality Opera”, Foxy Shazam immediately show their competence at soul music mixed with post-hardcore. The track convulses between soul-based melodies, and harsh, menacing guitars. “Across the Golden Field” is a heavier track, utilizing pinch harmonics, bellicose rhythms, and quaint vocal stylings that match the lyrics like purple and yellow.
“No! Don't Shoot!” relies on the bass's presence to exemplify a perceptible groove along with a surf-rock inspired riff. There is a jocular breakdown towards the end of the song where the lyrics are literally “Eee! Oooh! Ahhh! Biggity! Biggity! Boo!”
Throughout the album, epileptic guitars mesh coherently with anomalous vocalizations and some excellent keyboard work. “Seagulls Of Rhinoceros Bay Part I” and “Seagulls Of Rhinoceros Bay Part II” are perfect examples of all of these odd components working together like an assembly line. “ They prove to be quite enjoyable when working as a unit, and the leisurely listen makes it all worthwhile.
However, the “leisurely listen” eventually tires. And this “eventually” is nothing more than a short while. Considering that all of the songs just showcase how abnormal this band is, you'd think this would be the opposite of true, but unfortunately it isn't. Songs oftentimes fall back on their originality; it resembles insecurities and an overall half-hearted effort. But the fun eccentricities are the benefits that truly outweigh the flaws, and Foxy Shazam has truly crafted a great effort. With a title as weird as the music, “The Flamingo Trigger” is a great pleasure to the auditory system, and I recommend it to those who pursue a recreational listen.
FINAL RATING 3.5/5-Falters a lot, what else can I say.... Oh wait....
