Tablefox, Battles Review

Tablefox has been gaining momentum since the five-member Indie rock band from Auckland, NZ. released their debut album, OBJECTS, in 2015. Tablefox has been heard via Radio play on Rock FM and Radio Hauraki and performed on numerous national tours, which were well-received both locally and internationally. Their sophomore album You and I Will Find a Way was supported with a New Zealand and Australia tour. The singles “Nothing Ever Changes” and “Right or Wrong” were released, and the band toured NZ with Scottish legends Big Country, City Calm Down, The Feelers, The Charlatans, and UK legends James. Tablefox played a packed headline show at Auckland’s Anthology and followed up with the stirring single “Always Always,” recorded by Scott Seabright Productions and mastered by Ryan Smith (AC/DC, Greta Van Fleet) at Stirling Sound. “Always Always” was the first single from the band’s third album being released in 2021, which also has the well-received singles “Çoming Home,” “Desire or Love,” and “Battles.” Tablefox is now releasing their third album titled Battles via Arcadien Records.
[section label=”Bottom Line”]Bottom Line:  Battles is a ten-song set recorded by Scott Seabright Productions and mastered by Ryan Smith (AC/DC, Greta Van Fleet) at Stirling Sound. Each of the tracks brings into focus Tablefox’s blend of Post-Punk and Alternative Rock with hooky guitars, full keyboards, driving bass, and rowdy drums that all support a solid fronting vocalist. Opening with “Burning Bridges,” Battles starts off with energy and focus. “Desire or Love” blissfully reminds you of the atmospheric power of a driving beat, guitar hook, and call and response vocals. The second verse gets added effects on the vocals for a variation, and the falsetto singing during the bridge and the following riff are all substantial additions. Tablefox has been exhibiting a unique songwriting style since their debut, and Scott Seabright Productions and Ryan Smith capture the feeling and capture the effortless tones of the band. “Time,” the second track on the LP, has hypnotizing guitar figures and subtle backing vocals, sturdy drumming, and development of the drum pattern through the song’s duration. Overall, Battles is an album that stands out with its immediate connotations of Post-Punk bliss, Alternative Rock escapism, and, indeed, its well-captured instrumentation, vocal delivery, gifted songwriting, and catchy melodies and hooks. Check these lads out ASAP; that’s the short of it!

Connect with Tablefox: Website |