It’s been a while since we last heard from Foxygen, the eccentric California-based duo of Sam France and Jonathan Rado. The group has stayed quiet since the release of their last album, 2014’s polarizing …And Star Power. But they’re back at it with their follow-up album Hang in January 2017 (via Jagjaguwar).
In December 2016 the group played a few shows to test out the new material and warm up for the much larger tour that awaits in the spring (included a huge show at Terminal 5 in March). This version of Foxygen was much different than the last time I saw them play, with only France, Rado and singer Jaclyn Cohen remaining from their previous incarnation. Replacing the previous lineup is a much larger version of the band that included a five-piece horn section. It makes sense, as the songs are pretty massive in scope, and sound different from anything that they’ve done before.
They kicked off the show with the horn section of America, but switched over to “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic” as France joined them on stage. They eased us into the new lineup with the familiarity with that song, and then “San Francisco” and “Shuggie.” From there they dove right into Hang, playing it from start to finish in order. The theatrical element of the band is kicked into full gear, and filled out to perfection with the horn section.
They returned for a one song encore of “No Destruction,” probably as a thank you to fans for enduring an entire album of new material. The performance mixed the best of both worlds, and proved that this new version of Foxygen will do just fine at the much larger Terminal 5 come March.
Find photos of Foxygen’s performance as well as openers Cut Worms posted below, along with Foxygen’s setlist.
Foxygen Setlist:
1. We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic
2. San Francisco
3. Shuggie
4. Follow the Leader
5. Avalon
6. Mrs. Adams
7. America
8. On Lankershim
9. Upon a Hill
10. Trauma
11. Rise Up
Encore:
12. No Destruction
Cut Worms:
Foxygen:
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