Fox and Bones – ‘Long Time Honey’ [Album Review]

Portland, Oregon-based power folk-rock duo Fox and Bones releases their fourth album, Long Time Honey, a collaboration with award-winning singer-songwriter Greg Holden.

Made up of Scott Gilmore and Sarah Vitort, Fox and Bones got together in 2016, followed by releasing three long players, as well as performing more than 1,000 shows and touring both Europe and the U.S. They have shared the stage with ZZ Ward, The Dead South, Rayland Baxter, and Ryan Montbleau.

Currently, Fox and Bones is preparing to head back on the road, hitting eight cities from Massachusetts to Georgia, supporting Americana supergroup Fantastic Cat in June.

Of the ten tracks on Long Time Honey, entry points include “All On Red,” an upbeat blending of Americana and rock elements, highlighted by stirring vocals and a pushing rhythm. The song’s mood is wistful and expectant, making it magnetically appealing.

The title track, a personal favorite, starts low and slow, with Vitort’s evocative voice providing introspective timbres. Then, the tune ramps up to a vibrant folk-rock melody full of gleaming guitars riding a sidesaddle-like rhythm.

The intro to “Tricks” recalls Joe Cocker because of its drum and organ shuffle, followed by shifting to a thrumming melody topped by the splendid vocal harmonies of Gilmore and Vitort, whose complementary voices infuse the lyrics with singular flavor.

Fox and Bones, photo by Amandala

“The Best You Can” travels on bluesy textures merged with delicious folk-rock savors. Hints of rolling gospel surfaces add a genuine aura to the song. Vitort’s drawling voice opens “Love Me Better,” an undulating, gliding country-flavored tune. At once distinctive and familiar, Vitort’s vocals reveal a delightful twangy vibrato that’s oh-so-alluring.

For some reason, the closing track, “Don’t Do Nothing,” conjures up suggestions of Cat Stevens because of Gillmore’s tonal inflections and phrasing.

Long Time Honey’s brightest moments occur when Sarah Vitort’s uniquely painted vocals dominate the vocals, like a sun-sprayed mirror. Tour Dates and Tickets

Long Time Honey Track Listing:

1. All On Red
2. House by the River
3. Digital Wasteland
4. Long Time Honey
5. Over the Edge
6. Tricks
7. Constellations
8. The Best You Can
9. Love Me Better
10. Don’t Do Nothing

Run Time: 35:21
Release Date: May 17, 2024
Record Label: Independent