When Foxy Shazam opened for Panic! At the Disco last June at Sound Academy the Cincinnati sextet rocked the stage with a charisma that had died long ago with Queen, glam metal, and the rise of the solo artist. It’s hard to place Foxy Shazam because of their great range and genre-neutral oeuvre, but this album is a defining moment for the band, not just in terms of their overall style, but also in terms of their roots. This is essentially a tribute album that is fresh, original, and devoid of nostalgia.
For every snappy ‘80s-style song like “Holy Touch” and “Last Chance At Love,” there are gorgeous melodic surprises like “Forever Together,” a sweet and sincere ballad about lead singer Eric Nally’s yearning for his family on the road.
But nothing compares to “The Streets,” a bluesy, groovy, Springsteenesque anthem that would have even the Boss’s lighter out and waving over head.
It must be frustrating for Nally, whose Mercurian voice has drawn innumerable comparisons with Queen. But Freddy would be proud. Amen and rock on.
