David Dewese and Jerry James, the friends that make records as the Foxymorons, met at church camp when they were in high school. They discovered they had an affinity for noisy, primitive rock bands. Since they both played rudimentary guitar, they thought about starting a band. Eventually, the duo honed its chops and began writing and recording. Although they’d never played live, their debut album, Calcutta, got stellar reviews in Pitchfork and Paste. As soon as it was out, Dewese moved to Nashville to play in an alt-country band. James stayed in Texas. They’ve maintained a long-distance collaboration ever since. New LP Fake Yoga has elements drawn from country and pop music, including Beach Boys-flavored harmonies, but the album is dominated by their distorted, almost metallic guitar work. James and Dewese will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on them.
James: In these culturally sensitive times, we tend to walk on eggshells when it comes to religious views. But given that a crucial element of the Foxymorons’ backstory is our meeting at church camp, it only feels appropriate to share some ancient biblical wisdom with the good readers of MAGNET. After all, in these topsy-turvy, anxiety-ridden times, we can all use a little wisdom that’s been inherited over the centuries. Here are five of my favorites:
1. An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
2. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
3. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
4. As a dog returns to its vomit; so a fool repeats his folly.
5. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
And a bonus verse to keep in mind for your holiday gatherings:
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Video after the jump.
