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.
420
Fox Academy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
light drowns me out
blood running down
my face is all out of color
colors are nice
airplanes can fly
i like everything way too much
everythings alright
i feel alright
i feel alright
*instrumental*
dont do drugs kids
The lyrics in '420' by Fox Academy depicts a person who might be under the influence of drugs, as it describes the feeling of light overshadowing him or her, blood tricking down, and loss of color in the face. However, the person seems to enjoy everything around them a little too much, as they claim to like everything, even airplanes. The repetition of the phrase "everythings alright" gives the impression that the person is content despite their current state. The song ends on a cautionary note as it warns not to do drugs.
The symbolic language used in the song suggests that the person could be experiencing something emotionally overwhelming, and they have turned to drugs to cope with it. It also portrays the blissful state that drugs can provide while also highlighting the dangers and risks associated with that state. The song could serve as a reminder to seek help through proper channels when things seem too much to cope.
Line by Line Meaning
light drowns me out
Overwhelming brightness leaves me feeling lost and insignificant
blood running down
Visible physical harm, potentially from self-destruction or external violence
my face is all out of color
Facial expression and tone convey a lack of emotional vitality
colors are nice
Appreciation for aesthetic beauty, possibly as an escape from emotional numbness
airplanes can fly
Recognition of human ingenuity and progress, despite personal struggles
i like everything way too much
A tendency to seek pleasure and stimulation in excess, potentially as a coping mechanism
everythings alright
An attempt to convince oneself that everything is okay, despite evidence to the contrary
everything alright
Repetition of the previous line to reinforce the belief that everything is under control
i feel alright
An effort to convince oneself that one is emotionally stable, but with potential hints of doubt or insecurity
i feel alright
Repetition of the previous line, possibly as a form of self-reassurance or desperation
dont do drugs kids
A message to the listener to avoid using substances as a means of coping with personal struggles
Contributed by Isaac D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.