Wisconsin native band, PHOX, took over the Capitol Theater Friday, November 7th. The six-piece group filled the space with their quirkiness and slow-but-happy indie pop ditties for the general admission crowd of all ages.
Cougar opened for PHOX, and did not pass up the opportunity to make several animal jokes. They set the mood with their soothing ambient wordless music. It felt dreamlike, maybe because the music was almost too relaxing to open with. However, the members, who had not played together for several years, managed to keep me wide awake with their talent.
After Cougar's short set, the other band of animals took the stage. The beautiful lead vocalist with the 1950s-sounding, wide-ranged vocal chords of gold (matching the shiny pants she donned that evening), Monica Martin, belted out their tunes, even though she warned attendees after their first song that she had been sick for a few days and had already had to cancel several shows to “save herself for this one.” This was not noticeable whatsoever; her voice was still impeccable and rich. She was supported by her fellow Baraboo-raised pals Zach Johnston (guitar), Matthew Holmen (guitar/trumpet), Jason Krunnfusz (bass), Davey Roberts (drums), and Matteo Roberts (keyboard).
PHOX played every song from their debut self-titled album, which was released in June 2014. Martin said, in one of her many snappy, sarcastic, unfiltered monologues, “We love Madison so much, and we love you guys, so we're going to play all of our songs. You can't ask for an encore then, because we have to go write more stuff for you guys.”
They also treated the audience to some new, unreleased pieces and a couple songs that are still in their rough draft stage, including an acapella tune written by Martin herself while recording with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon.
They opened with the short first track on their album, “Calico Man” and kept the great music coming continuously, of course including their most popular single, “Slow Motion,” in the mix. Each jam sounded even better than the recordings. The instruments and Martin's voice worked seamlessly together; she seemed very much over-the-weather.
The setting was perfect for the lovely band as well. The Capitol Theater, with its elaborate, vintage décor fit the idea of the timeless group. Their stage was minimally, but wonderfully, decorated. A few various lamps scattered the stage, as half the group lounged nonchalantly in chairs, and bright letters boasting their name were hidden in the corner.
The band members were, for lack of a better word, adorable. They have been good friends for numerous years, and that was evident during their performance. They joked around and had teasing conversations between every song. They chuckled, mused with the audience, and even sang an impromptu, hilarious song about how bright the lights were, until their request was granted for them to be turned down. I felt like I could go on stage and hangout with them, they were so cool and comfortable.
The group mentioned several times throughout their set that new material is in the works. This is good news for PHOX fanatics, like myself, who cannot wait for another album. Many of the members, including Martin, permanently reside in Madison while not touring, so they will, without a doubt, return to stages with their uniqueness and amazing music.
