Glitterfox
decoder
Jealous Butcher Records
On their debut album, decoder, the Portland, Oregon, based outfit Glitterfox explores intimate themes of personal transformation, neurodivergence, queer love, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Produced by Chris Funk of The Decemberists and Zach Bloomstein, decoder fuses elements of garage rock, new wave, Americana, and hints of EDM into musical concoctions reflecting the unique sound that is Glitterfox.
Fronted by vocalist Solange Igoa and guitarist Andrea Walker, who were until recently a couple, their affable split did not affect their musical chemistry.
Igoa shares, “When I’m singing Andrea songs, I can feel the emotions that they were feeling — we’re experiencing this life together, you know?”
While Walker says, “I think about our connection musically. And it’s like, yeah, Solange is my voice.”
Of the 11 tracks on the album, high points encompass opener, “Passengers,” which summons up suggestions of Stevie Nicks because of Igoa’s nuanced, exotic-flavored vocals, at once oozing with dreamy emotions and silky-smooth textures. Gleaming, almost jangly guitars infuse the melody with soft, coruscating colors.
A personal favorite because of its driving rhythm, topped by thickly layered shiny guitars, “Gamma Ray” glides forward with relentless energy. There’s a delicious swaying motion to the melody as Igoa’s wonderfully evocative voice evokes feelings of loneliness blended with wistful need.
Igoa’s gospel-laced vocals over chiming tones provide the poignant intro to “Take Me Back,” a slow, drifting song drenched in the overwhelming pull of love. Under exquisite control, Igoa’s voice reveals haunting inflections highlighted by gilded, velvety timbres.
“Wildfires” mingles tangs of new wave with tints of punk-infused pop, resulting in an irresistible melody riding a throbbing rhythm. The popping bassline and straight-ahead percussion give the tune a propelling flow as Igoa shows off her agile voice, without a doubt one of the best extant.
Slick and brimming with glimmering, ringing guitars, decoder offers the sound of a band promenading into its majestic juncture.
