The House Flies: Sweet Foxhound
Sweet Foxhound: The House Flies Stretch the Shadows Further
by Jack Rush
Midwest gothic post-punk outfit The House Flies return with “Sweet Foxhound,” their first release since 2024’s Mannequin Deposit—and it’s a haunting, cinematic evolution of their sound. Built on shadowy guitars, pulsing basslines, and hypnotic vocal delivery, the track feels like a fever dream caught between urgency and atmosphere. It’s dark, melodic, and propulsive—an intoxicating blend that pushes the band’s brooding aesthetic into sharper focus.
Originally written during the Mannequin Deposit sessions, “Sweet Foxhound” has since taken on a new life, reimagined through the band’s expanded lineup. Guitarist Burnie Eckardt (Dynoride) officially joins Alex Riggen (vocals/guitar), Ozzie Woods (bass), and Nick Pompou (drums), adding textural depth to their already layered sound. The result is a track that feels both immediate and meticulously sculpted—a self-contained statement that bridges the House Flies’ past and future.
Musically, the song thrives on contrasts. Riggen’s vocals hover between restraint and intensity, threading through a dense mix of chiming, reverb-laden guitars and steady, heartbeat percussion. The rhythm section drives with subtle menace, while the guitar tones shimmer and decay like reflections in dark water. Every sonic element feels deliberate—each echo, each rumble in the low end—crafting a soundscape that’s equal parts gothic romanticism and post-punk momentum.
Where Mannequin Deposit explored disillusionment and decay through a shadowed lens, “Sweet Foxhound” sharpens the focus—leaner, darker, and more dynamic. The track captures that rare space where melancholy meets propulsion, offering both tension and release. It’s the sound of a band not resting on their reputation but pushing deeper into the twilight they’ve built.
Formed in the Midwest, The House Flies have built their reputation on crafting music that feels cinematic and intimate at once—drawing from gothic atmosphere, post-punk textures, and art-rock ambition. From 2023’s Glimmer EP to their 2024 full-length, they’ve shown a knack for balancing melody with menace. With “Sweet Foxhound,” they refine that formula, delivering one of their most compelling tracks yet.
If this single is a preview of what’s to come, The House Flies’ next chapter promises to be longer, darker, and heavier—a continuation of their slow-burning evolution toward something truly transcendent.
Turn the lights low, press play, and let “Sweet Foxhound” pull you under.
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