Phoxjaw An Interview With A Band That Bites

by | May 24, 2018

2000trees were excited to add Phoxjaw to their festival lineup, so I took some time to get to know a little more about the Bristol alt-rock band who have been getting a fair bit of attention this year.

I began our interview by getting a little introduction to the five band members, and how they met. Brothers Kieran Gallopvocals & drums and Josh Gallop, who plays guitar, were previously in a metal band together. Guitarist Glenn Hawkins and bassist & vocalist Danny Garland had met at school and also spent time with each other in groupss. And Huw Allen was the latest addition to the group after they decided to add some synth and keys.

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

In a time where there are so many mundane band names doing the rounds, how did they end up with theirs?

“It was a word engraved on Josh and Kieran’s great nan’s ancient wooden leg,” they say at first, before confirming: “Nah, that’s a lie. It was plucked out of thin air but we decided to be super edgy and replace the F for a PH.”

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

They’ve also been super busy: we’re not even six months into 2018 and they’ve released an EP, toured the UK, and made a music video.

“It was all shot in one day, a very long day at that,” they say of the clip for Triceratops. “We started around 10 in the morning and didn’t get finished till at least 10 or 11 that night.”

The shoot took place at John Wesley Methodist Church in Bristol. It’s a beautiful setting, so a lot of work must have been put into making it appear as dark and intense as it does onscreen.

“It was by chance that our videographer James Harris knew somebody who could get us access to the church. It was a fantastic venue and was exactly what we were after when we pitched James the idea, something grand that would look great on camera.”

Filming can be a very stressful time, especially if you’re doing it for 12 hours non-stop, but the band made it through the day unscathed.

“We filmed all the performance shots first in the church, then went back to another location for the attic torture scene,” they explain. “Huw and Danny were so convincing with their acting in the torture scene we all looked at each other after and had to go get a pint to wind down. It was super intense.

“”We are stoked with the result, so it was all worth it.”

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

Triceratops is taken from the new EP Dinosaur, which has been extremely well received and has had some glowing reviews.

“It’s been awesome,” they say of the response. “We’ve been quite taken aback by how much people are loving it. Hearing that people are finding their own meanings in the songs and the lyrics.

“The EP was out for about 5 days before we did our hometown EP launch gig and people were already singing the lyrics back to us, which is an amazing feeling. It just keeps on growing and growing as well, so we are excited to see what more comes of it.“

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

But what makes a band choose to go with an EP over an album? It must be a hard decision to make, especially as this will be the first thing many will hear of the band.

“We really wanted a body of work to release that had a cohesive feel throughout. We are all fans of albums but with the way people consume music at the moment, especially when you are a relatively new band, it made more sense to put out an EP. There is also a lot of pressure on a debut nowadays, we are working towards an album though.”

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

Alongside the music releases, Phoxjaw have spent time on the road touring the UK experiencing new venues, and making new friends.

“Each date had its charm for us and it was great hitting some places we’ve never been before, Bristol was a great show as we previously mentioned, being our own city and all. We really enjoyed Brighton as it’s just a great place to be in and the Green Door Store is a great venue. We also really enjoyed Swindon; we played with a great band called The Guts who were phenomenal, so can’t wait to hook up with those guys again.”

With festival season on the way, the band’s enthusiasm for 2000trees matched that of the festival organisers.

“We are very excited to have that one, it was a bit of a goal for us when we first started this band to play there, and we didn’t think it’d happen so soon.”

Phoxjaw (Edyta K)

The band are looking forward to finding out the difference between playing a run of the mill gig, and a festival. They don’t plan on changing anything in their performance though.

“Being a relatively new band we kind of missed out a bit on festival season last year due to recording for this release so we are going to find out ourselves! We’ll bring the same energy though as we put into any Phoxjaw show. Whether we’re playing to 1000 people or 10 people, if you are at a Phoxjaw gig you are going to be entertained.”

That sounds promising, and I’ll be sure to catch them alongside their suggestions of other acts to catch.

“Loads of great bands we look up to are playing the festival, but go check our mates in Black Peaks, Holding Absence, Soeur, and Haggard Cat. They all kick ass,” the band advise.

I finish up asking the hardest question of all. One that really makes you think about your answer and Phoxjaw don’t let themselves down. With the dinosaur EP theme they had going on, what’s their favourite dinosaur?

“Oooooh this is a tough one, but I’m gonna go with the Diplodocus because they’ve got a long neck and I’d love to see one at our gig head banging. T-Rex would be no good in the mosh pit if it fell over because of the short arms!”

Catch Phoxjaw at 2000trees on Friday 13th July at The Cave.

2000trees tickets are now available at https://www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk/

Paul Lyme in conversation with Phoxjaw May 2018

Portrait Photography by Edyta Krzesak

https://rockshotmagazine.com/206612/frank-turner-urges-us-kind/

 

The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

House of Protection (Anthony Tran)

House Of Protection Drop Electrifying New EP ‘Outrun You All’ & Announce UK Tour Dates

One of the most thrilling new forces in heavy music, House Of Protection have released their sophomore EP Outrun You All via Red Bull Records—a genre-hopping, high-octane project that confirms the duo’s position as one of 2024’s most fearless acts. Known for fusing atmospheric trip-hop, art punk, underground electronic, and hardcore chaos, the band wastes no time diving deep into their expansive musical world on this blistering seven-track release.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing