The Stone Foxes sophomore release Bears and Bulls is a winning representation of the raw, roots style of blues.
The Bay Area four-piece, which consists of brothers Shannon and Spence Koehler, Aaron Mort, and Avi Vincour, sets the tone from the start with “Stomp” with its moving beats, heavy rhythm and prominent slide guitar. “I Killed Robert Johnson”, is a dark, rock heavy song that you’d expect to hear walking into an old blues bar in Memphis, with a driving guitar riff as well as amazing choral harmonies over Shannon Koheler’s Jack White-esqe falsetto. Another highlight is “Passenger Train,” a ballad of running from the sadness deep inside, yet remaining in motion and pushing through.

The album’s lo-fi production (by the band) mashes into a wall of blues-rock madness, showing the progression the group has made from 2008’s self titled debut. Above all else, it should move the listener to see The Stone Foxes live where all members share vocals and instruments and the band truly delivers.