Oxford, Oxford, Oxford & Oxford

Oxford is notorious for a couple of things known to the common man like me; a University, the Oxford Comma, something to do with Harry Potter (apparently) and this ‘Shark House’ - a house with a 25-foot long headless shark protruding from the roof. Yeah I know but it’s all true. Anyway, after Foals made Oxford something of a place to watch for music there appears to be somewhat of a ‘scene’ rising up. There are four bands that have caught wecantmixandwedontcare!’s attention that hopefully you might enjoy as well. Unsurprisingly, Foals are taking two of these bands on tour with them in on tour throughout October and November and it’s nice to see them doing there bit to nurture these promising new bands and giving them some well deserved exposure.

Trophy Wife play angular mathematical music that is sure to make them stand out and draw unsurprising comparisons to Foals. It’s so much more than though with its delicate chimes, harmonising vocals and beautifully understated guitar riffs. The support slot they have secured on Foals up and coming tour will hopefully give Trophy Wife the perfect launch pad for a successful future. They are a very exciting prospect.


Chad Valley is Hugo Manuel, also a member of the band Jonquil. Chad Valleys sound is gentle yet big, almost verging on the epic scale of noise. Part of me wants to reference New Order for some reason but I’m going to resist. Track ‘Up and Down’ is one that you could imagine hearing whilst watching the sun go down from anywhere in Ibiza to the Isle of Wight. This is truly big sounding but manages to overwhelm you in a minimalist way. Oh and he has also done an awesome remix of Spanish Sahara by Foals.

Chad Valley - Up & Down
Foals - Spanish Sahara Chad Valley remix


Fixers Only one offering from this band at present in the form of ‘Iron Deer Dream’ taking on a more guitar driven sound in comparison to their fellow Oxford counterparts featured on this blog. Don’t underestimate this track though as its chorus is packed full of keys, guitars and drums with an equally commanding vocal that perfectly compliments. Waiting full of anticipation for Fixers next offering....


Pet Moon is the new project from the former Youth Movies frontman. I think this sound is summed up rather nicely by a comment made on their myspace page by the band ‘Friendship’ that reads ‘SICK AS FUCK MATE’. Slo-Fi beat bop with echoing vocals over woozy beats on track ‘Hold the Divide’. Put me in a dark room with lots of flashing lights and I’ll be at home slowly trying to body jerk in time with the stammered beats. This is very different from fellow Oxford blog friends featured here but standing out for the all right reasons. Pet Moon will also be touring with Foals throughout October.


I am genuinely excited by all four of these bands and if I don’t get to see them soon, I think I will just have to be selfish and book them all for one of my club nights.....


Right I’m off too see my distant cousin in Oxford and find these four bands on the same bill...........well I can dream cant I....?!