AWmusic

With an unforgettably exceptional voice and a similar sound to that of Depeche Mode, Fox Elipsus’… debut album Changing History plucks at the heart and turns heads back to the question of our world and its politics.

The Good: amazing voice, great variation in musical stylings, multitude of tracks, great value, exceptional piano performance, many discussions on the world and its politics, exceptional lyrics, best performances are done with fast paced tracks, well done R.E.M cover, each track provides a new viewpoint and meaning, written from the heart

The Bad: too many love songs, a bit depressing at points, some views may be disputed, some of the slower songs are boring and sluggish compared to the faster ones, some tracks feel out of place, too long to listen to in one sitting

All the way from Oxford, England, Fox Elipsus… has made a mark with his groundbreaking debut double album aptly named Changing History. The album is not only groundbreaking as it’s an expansive double album ranging through thirty six tracks on a debut album release, but it explores the depths and beauties of the world and also explores the politics of the world as well as his own views concerning them.

From the opening track on disc one of the album you are presented with fast paced synthesizer which then leads into some of the most exceptional male vocals that I have heard since Chris Martin. His vocals and musical style seem to mesh the softer vocals and pianistic skills of Chris Martin of Coldplay and the harder, deeper vocals, and the synthesizer styling of Dave Gahan and Depeche Mode into one incredible sound experience. Where Fox Elipsus… differs from both of these artists though is through his ability to vary his musical styling drastically from track to track even adding a rap styling track in there on the second disc entitled “Anderson Brown”.

The best part of Changing History though would have to be that listening to each track gives you a sense that each one of the thirty six tracks were each written right from the heart and is a true expression of one’s self. He shows that one can be both a lover and a fighter through his many political and love songs. His views on politics and the world are both deep and enlightening which makes one rethink and question his current views concerning both. Some tracks are not even songs at all but instead a discussion delving into his mind concerning these affairs which presents an intro and something to think about while listening to the preceding song that follows the discussion.

One let down concerning the album would be that there are a few too many love songs contained on both discs which are generally a lot slower than the political songs and take a much more depressing turn of tune and sound. While one or two love songs would have been enough, there are more preceding love songs that start to become a bit of a bore after a while which makes you want to skip some of the scores looking for a more fast paced upbeat track which starts to get you going once more.

Another trifle with Changing History would have to be that although there is a multitude of tracks to listen to and expands into a double album, some of the tracks just feel out of place. Something that could have worked to some extent is that one disc could have been pure hard rock and the other disc could have been pure love songs and slower paced songs where each disc could have had its own name in reference to Smashing Pumpkin’s double disc album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness where disc one was entitled dawn to dusk and represented life and disc two was named twilight to starlight and represent death. It’s always something to consider when making a double disc album such as Changing History. The album as a whole is also a tad long and will require more than one or two sittings to listen to the entire thing.

Another problem that some may face while listening to the album is that their own view points may clash with that of the artist at hand and may lead to dispute over some of Fox Elipsus’… many discussions and political songs. This is the same with any band that brings politics into their music, there will be those who agree, those who disagree, and those who find a new twist on their own personal views. His views must be seen as his own opinion and should be respected as such, but in the end it could lead to a certain fan base of those who agree with his views and detractors who do not.

The two tracks that stand out the most above all the other thirty six would have to be “Eastern Seaboard” and “Dominoes”. “Eastern Seaboard” takes on a very soft piano based sound and flows very well and presents a calming tone to it all. Right away it evokes the imagery of the sun rising over the sea and evokes such a beautiful sight that you could swear that the sunrise was not just in your head but right in front of you. “Dominoes” is just a fast paced rock symphony thundering with action and lifting you out of your seat. Being that fast paced and addicting you kind of wish that every track on the album was as addicting. Lastly Fox Elipsus… also puts on a great cover of “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. on the album and although it’s a bit slower and not as dramatic as the original, it stills conveys the same message and tone.

Overall Fox Elipsus’… first album can be seen as success and a landmark for him entering the music scene with just a couple of details to work on and improve on in the future. His exceptionally amazing vocals, piano skills, and view points on the world show throughout and make the album an enlightening and sensational experience to listen to. At ten dollars it’s probably the cheapest amazing double album out there to date. Changing History is a huge accomplishment both lyrically and musically for Fox and by continuing to hone his skills and talents I’m sure the next album will be just as great, possibly even better, but only time will tell.

8.0/10

Believe… by Fox Elipsus…
Eastern Seaboard… by Fox Elipsus…
Dominoes… by Fox Elipsus…