Having watched and listened to the founding members of Jesus. H. Foxx in their previous incarnations (Goldblum, Sweetheart) I’ve always been fond of their ramshackle-pop stylings, slurry vocal delivery and ‘we’re in no rush’ live shows. Having debuted in 2007 under their new foxy moniker with the magnificent 7” single ‘Tight Ideas’/’This Is Not A Rental Car’ my expectations were high for ‘Matter’, the band’s most expansive collection yet, musically and in length.
As these things so often go, maybe if I wasn’t expecting such ear-pleasing treats then I wouldn’t have the slight feeling of disappointment in the Matter EP as a whole. The band experiment with sound and arrangement more so than they have in the past, and nothing here is offensive, there’s just a lack of substance in my opinion. However, ‘I’m Half The Man You Were’, and ‘Trying To Be Good’ stand proud on their own merit, both continue to display the bands art-school leanings and keen ear for melody. Unsurprising the accompanying press release has these two songs as ‘must-listens’. I’ve championed Jesus H. Foxx from the get-go and have raved about them to many a punter so giving this EP a relatively mediocre write-up doesn’t really befit my love for the band. They’re still easily one of the most exciting bands on the underground circuit and they’re more than capable of making some really great records, I just don’t think this one is quite on the money.
