Caught Sound Records – The Wake Up
It used to be that bands had to qualify for a Genre Card. Some would do their utmost to fit into the parameters of a genre, and some would slide in there by necessity.
But everyone got one. And, once it was distributed, it was nearly impossible to change. Bands knew, quite literally, on which shelf in the music store they’d be placed. Where would Caught Sound Records, with its lush, dreamy production, fit then?
Genres are all but gone nowadays. We might even feel smart about hacking them off. Maybe, however, we shouldn’t be so swift in delivering retribution. These categorisations, often, were the best way to ensure that you could listen to more of the music that you really liked.
Caught Sound Records, for the most part, specialises in warm, expansive sounds on “The Wake Up.” Clearly and cleverly, the producer for this takes inspiration from shoegaze and dream pop. But it doesn’t exactly step there. Those genres are reinterpreted for modern audiences who might have heard these styles from TikTok vids and from new artists. This would fit on the shelf, sure, but it’d also surprise those looking to give it a chance.
Allan Fox – Is This Me?
People of a certain age are pessimistic about today’s state of the music world. But you’d expect them to be. Bad news sells and helps get views and clicks. Bad news keeps many dissatisfied people well entertained. But the truth may not be so gruesome.
We’re nearly past the days of entirely manufactured pop stars. Bar Asian groups that proudly confirm that their members are chosen through talent shows, modern stars the world over possess a whole repertoire of talents. They’re the same as Allan Fox.
Even the dance-pop singers selling out arenas tend to write their own songs nowadays. If not, they contribute to the orchestration, or they play an instrument. When you look at independent artists, the need for them to be their own producer, manager, art director, editor, etc.
I mention this because Allan Fox would prefer that you judge him as an indie artist of the modern age. Sure, his work has been known to connect with the internet audience. But as “Is This Me?” proves, it’s taken more than just a pretty jingle to achieve that. The Bowiesque songwriting is impressive enough. But the striking visuals, the modern production, playing and promotion are all Fox’s work. So, who gets to tell the artist what to do? Nobody! Who are you supporting? A free man. Buy from the source without remorse.
