Three Legged Fox - Not As Far
Message Music
April 2009
Three Legged Fox is currently touring the east coast with reggae titans John Brown’s Body and SOJA. They just released their second LP “Not As Far” a follow up to the 2006 “Ideas” a reggae tinged album that built quite a buzz on several radio stations across the states. “Not As Far” continues the tradition, but expands on to include the roots rock sounds of such mammoths as Blind Melon and Sister Hazel. What is different here is that 3LF infuses their easily accessible sound with a positive message. Take the title track as an example, where singer Kyle Wareham sings “Every chance I get, I try to express/ Give thanks for how much I’ve been blessed/ make sure to take pride in all that do…” The words may lend themselves to a little cheese, but stop short when some harmonic horns courtesy of John Brown’s Body horn section take the fore and finish the sentence.
From there, 3LF enters an upbeat amalgam of stylish reggae skank and lead guitar segueing into near emo outbursts recalling the work of Porcupine Tree and Blackfield. This is “Maybe I’m Sorry” a song about how to forgive in relationships.
“Back Again” starts off with a promising country-rock riff drenched in hall reverb that gives way to a wall of sound reminiscent of The Band. What you start to realize at this point is that 3lF are actually having fun. Bucking the expectation of their polished sound, 3LF’s transitions are unpredictable, they could either burst into a great country rock guitar solo with the Hammond B3 singing in the background, or they could jump into a reggae grove - and they are equally adept at both.
“I Believe,” featuring Jacob Hemphill of SOJA, rises and falls in beautiful serenity with an thick reggae bassline carrying powerful reggae organ bubbling below JBB’s horns. This song is a drummer’s plaground with the hot hi-hats getting little appearances here and there at every change. “Love Move A Mountain” recalls the biblical words of Jesus in a personal empowerment tune encouraging listeners to see the bigger picture of love with an open mind and an open heart.
The set closes with “Higher Love” a great song with a ballad vibe carried by an upright piano and some tuned congas. With lyrics like “Oh I believe that ultimately higher love is gonna keep us together,” accompanied by soulful harmony parts destined to inspire people to value their souls and the souls of others with deeper understanding and compassion. This is a great message music record for people who tend to go for a more mainstream America sound.