We’ve featured Madame Psychosis on a few occasions on these pages, and with each release, the band find new ways to surprise and captivate. Their latest single, “Foxtail,” out on 24th July, is no exception. Despite a shift towards a more “pop” sound, the energy of the Toronto-based quintet remains intact.
Musically, “Foxtail” is a high-energy anthem built on layers of dense yet accessible guitars and a lively drum performance. The dynamic instrumentation allows the melodies to shine, elevated by a stellar vocal performance from lead singer Michelle Mondesir, who balances accessibility with a raw edge that keeps me hooked. Recorded with Alex Gamble (Alvvays, Broken Social Scene, Arkells), the result is a punchy track that leaves a lasting impression despite clocking in at just over 2 minutes.
Lyrically, the track critiques the notion that your job defines you, delivering a compelling message about the daily grind. Corporations and even small businesses cultivate a faux family atmosphere and a “we” attitude, but we all know that ultimately all they care about is the bottom line.
As Mondesir explains better than me, “I started really thinking about how much of our lives we spend working jobs that many of us find unfulfilling but that ‘pay the bills.’ We’d much rather follow our passions or spend time with loved ones. This got me thinking about how capitalism forces us into workplaces, taking up our time and putting us in environments with people we often have nothing in common with, forging social ties that can be emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes physically unhealthy.”
Madame Psychosis has built a reputation for blending introspection with infectious energy, and “Foxtail” is no exception. The band’s distinctive sound is in constant evolution, and this single showcases the next step in what feels like a natural progression.
Ultimately, we all have to “pay the bills,” and I’m by no means suggesting you call your boss and tell them to bugger off right now. But once you’re out of that place, roll down the windows, crank up the volume, sing along, and contemplate life’s more meaningful moments. What you do is not necessarily who you are!
TRACKS:
