Michael Todd Berland and Christian Novelli have been releasing music together as Fox Academy since 2012. Their sound is characterized by drowsy and adventurous indie rock, appealing to fans of American Pleasure Club, Alex G, Strange Ranger and Oso Oso. Their approach to bedroom pop carries a distinct woodsy quality, often interweaving pop culture references and subtle humor amidst the prevailing melancholic vibes. Notably, their album Angel Hair, released in July 2019, features tracks titled "NASCAR" and "Property Brothers," with an opening line that humorously states, "I got metal in my headphones, metal in my face, I put metal in the microwave."
The duo released their first full album, "Luxury Beverage," in January 2015, followed by their second album, "Saint Molly," in April 2017. In 2020, Fox Academy presented their full-length documentary film titled "Late Nite Saints." The movie captures their exploration of the Pacific Northwest, seeking beauty and miracles in unexpected places. With a hypnotic ambient quality reminiscent of their music, this film provides a glimpse into the duo's lives.
In September 2020, Fox Academy released their fourth album "rabbit." The collection comprises hazy guitar tracks brimming with emotion and musical ingenuity. While an underlying emo sentiment is present, expressed through lyrics like "Nothing hurts like growing up" and "I hope that I see you tomorrow" in the final songs, the overall aesthetic leans toward a homemade, lo-fi slowcore sound. While guest appearances, including Jordana on the mellow electronic slow jam "Luck," are sprinkled throughout the album, "rabbit" primarily provides a window into the shared mindset of two friends who have embraced the subdued spirit of the times while upholding a longstanding DIY tradition.
choking on flowers
Fox Academy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
weve got a lot to talk about
decorations that we found
instead we look around
instead we look around
i dont mind
it happens all the time
dont decide
it happens all the time
inside your car
we never have to drive too far
i like the freckles on your arm
not eat with you id rather starve
inside your house
your mom puts on her favorite blouse
we pass the dishes all around
i hope they like me now
i hope they like me now
you remind me of better times
dusty blinds
this happens all the time
The opening verse of "Choking on Flowers" by Fox Academy sets the stage for what appears to be an intimate encounter between two people. The lyrics, "inside your house, we've got a lot to talk about, decorations that we found, instead we look around," create a sense of comfort and familiarity, as if the two people have been here before and are re-visiting memories. The next verse continues this sense of ease, as they are in the car and "never have to drive too far," suggesting that being together is enough, there doesn't need to be a specific destination. This is further solidified with the line, "not eat with you I'd rather starve," which shows that being in the presence of the other person is more important than anything else.
As the song progresses, there is a feeling of a time warp, with references to better times and "dusty blinds." It is almost as if the two people are living in a bubble, disconnected from the outside world, focused solely on each other. Yet, there is an underlying sense of uncertainty and unease in the lyrics, with lines like "I hope they like me now" and "don't decide, it happens all the time." It seems that these two people are searching for more, but are unsure of what that may be.
The song overall creates a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere, with a sense of longing and questioning. It depicts a moment in time where two people are lost in each other, while also acknowledging that there is a world beyond them.
Line by Line Meaning
inside your house
We are in your house.
weve got a lot to talk about
We need to discuss things.
decorations that we found
We discover and observe the decorations.
instead we look around
We are not focusing on the conversation.
i dont mind
It doesn't bother me.
it happens all the time
It's a common occurrence.
dont decide
Don't make a final choice yet.
inside your car
We are in your car.
we never have to drive too far
We don't need to go far.
i like the freckles on your arm
I find the freckles on your arm attractive.
not eat with you id rather starve
I would rather go hungry than not be with you.
inside your house
We are still in your house.
your mom puts on her favorite blouse
Your mother puts on her favorite shirt.
we pass the dishes all around
We share the food.
i hope they like me now
I hope your family approves of me.
you remind me of better times
I associate you with happier memories.
dusty blinds
The blinds are dusty.
this happens all the time
This is a common occurrence.
Contributed by Chloe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.