Black Foxxes – The Haar

Written by: Laura Day

Black Foxxes are back with their brand new album, The Haar. After a long wait, a Kickstarter, and a secure distribution deal, fans remained loyal in anticipation – and our patience has been rewarded.

The album is a fearless journey into the depths of human experience. The Haar goes further than their previous albums, staring grief and sorrow in the face and demanding to make sense of it. We start with the heart-wrenchingly raw ‘I Can’t Be Left Alone With It’, laying bare the inner battle between the soul and the human psyche. An incredibly bold choice to begin our journey, and prepares us without apology. 

As with the rest of the tracks, the lyrics are refreshingly simple, intentional, and to the point. They lack the pretentiousness that usually comes with trying to explain deeper emotions. Instead, the talented four Foxxes turn to the universal language of melody to communicate things we can only feel and that words struggle to convey.

Next, we’re thrust into the unnerving ‘Ha Ha Ha’, one of the heavier tracks and the only one of its kind. It’s a brash reminder of their rock and roll roots, coupled with the raw fear of becoming the person you don’t want to be. ‘Ha Ha Ha’ might be a crowd-rouser, but it doesn’t compromise on the vulnerability that Black Foxxes courageously weave throughout each song.

From there, we go deeper into the crevasse of the human condition. Just as Jacob wrestled in the desert with an angel, demanding to be blessed, so Black Foxxes wrestle with the inner critic we’re familiar with. ‘Carsaig’ is another example of this, as well as a beautiful echo of the Scottish Isles where it was conceived. You can almost feel the cold wind biting at your cheeks and the rugged land beneath your feet.

There are gentle nudges of inspiration, some songs having undertones of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Pixies, and Radiohead. Nevertheless, Black Foxxes lay claim to their own sound, weaving melodies that agonise and overthink, reminding us we’re all the same.

‘Darker Than Light’ is another stand-out track, beginning with a monotonous metronome sound that later builds to Irvine’s exceptional saxophone drifting through the layers of drums and guitar.

Finally, after this unflinching journey into ourselves, we find resolution in the bittersweet sigh of ‘In The Image of Perfection’. Somehow, the gentle piano keys tell us everything will be OK and carry our hearts somewhere safe to rest. Our final reminder that we’re all in this together is echoed in the lyrics “all our imperfections into one.”

Just over halfway through this final track, the strings enter and build, sounding like the sun breaking through heavy rain, and it’s up to us to decide if this is a sign of hope or cruelty…

The additional ad-lib recording of the boys’ laughter, whilst emerging from water, brings us back to earth gently and forces us to smile. Hope reigns after all.

‘The Haar’ was released on 7th March 2025, recorded and self-released by the band after a successful Kickstarter campaign. You can purchase a vinyl copy and various clothing bundles over on their site.

If you just wanna go ahead and listen now, you can find the Spotify link below: