San Francisco blues-rock outfit The Stone Foxes is preparing to release their latest set of tunes, a 5-track new EP dubbed Visalia, on September 15th. The Stone Foxes, comprised by lead singers Shannon Koehler and Vince Dewald along with Shannon’s brother Spence Koehler, Ben Andrews, Brian Bakalian, and Elliott Peltzman, have solidified their reputation as a commanding live act built on the musicians’ dynamism and blue-collar work ethic since their inception in 2008. The restless spirit that fuels their live shows also powers the songwriting on Visalia, whose catchy hooks and melodies are matched by trenchant lyrics that confront various personal and societal dilemmas.
The Stone Foxes’ creative process for the album was also the inspiration for its name: First, the band sequestered themselves in rural isolation in the small town of Visalia, CA, in the heart of the Central Valley, to write the punchy new tunes. Then, they took the new material back to the urban environs of Oakland, where they recorded the album with celebrated producer and engineer Jay Pellicci (Deerhoof, The Dodos, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down).
On Visalia, catchy hooks and melodies are matched by trenchant lyrics that confront various personal and societal dilemmas. The EP opens with “If I Die Tonight,” where lead vocalist and drummer Shannon Koehler belts “If I die tonight, that’s alright” as he lives each moment to the fullest, whether a hospital visit while on tour happens or not.
Explains Koehler, “It’s really reflective of how important it is to live in the moment. When you’re with your loved ones and friends, and all having the time of your life, if I die, I’d be alright with it. I live with a pacemaker and have undergone 11 heart surgeries. Every moment is precious. Visalia also dives deep into roots blues music. We wanted to pay tribute to some of our blues/rock idols, while putting out a statement of frustration and anger in response to what’s happening in America right now.”
Stream the new EP, Visalia, in its entirety below via Stone Foxes’ SoundCloud:
In addition to releasing their new EP, the band is heading out on the road for an extensive 36-date national Fall Tour, appropriately named “Gigantour.” For detailed information regarding The Stone Foxes, their new EP, and “Gigantour,” head to the band’s website.
THE STONE FOXES — FALL 2017 GIGANTOUR
September 15 — Los Angeles, CA — Bootleg
September 16 — Del Mar, CA — Kaaboo
September 17 — Phoenix, AZ — Crescent Ballroom
September 23 — Folsom, CA — Folsom Live
September 27 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s BBQ
September 28 — San Antonio, TX — Jack’s Bar
September 29 — Fort Worth, TX — Magnolia Motor Lounge
September 30 — Houston, TX — The Continental Club
October 1 — New Orleans, LA — Gasa Gasa
October 4 — Atlanta, GA — Smith’s Olde Bar
October 6 — Asheville, NC — Salvage Station
October 7 — Charlotte, NC — The Rabbit Hole
October 8 — Washington, DC — Gypsy Sally’s
October 10 — Boston, MA — Middle East Upstairs
October 11 — Fairfield, CT — Stage One
October 12 — New York, NY — Mercury Lounge
October 14 — Rehoboth Beach, DE — Dogfish Head
October 15 — Philadelphia, PA — Johnny Brenda’s
October 17 — Cleveland, OH — Beachland
October 18 — Ferndale, MI — Magic Bag
October 19 — Bloomington, IN — The Bishop
October 20 — Chicago, IL — Beat Kitchen
October 21 — Milwaukee, WI — Shank Hall
October 24 — Madison, WI — Frequency
October 25 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th Street Entry
October 26 — Iowa City, IA — The Mill
October 27 — Des Moines, IA — Vaudeville Mews
October 28 — Lawrence, KS — Bottleneck
October 29 — St. Louis, MO — Old Rock House
October 31 — Omaha, NE — Reverb
November 3 — Denver, CO — Larimer Lounge
November 4 — Salt Lake City, UT — State Room
November 7 — Billings, MT — Pub Station
November 8 — Bozeman, MT — Filling Station
November 9 — Missoula, MT — UC Ballroom
November 17 — San Francisco, CA — The Independent