“SWEET FOXHOUND” by The House Flies

The House Flies, a Midwest-based gothic post-punk collective, continue to push the boundaries of atmosphere and tension with their latest single, Sweet Foxhound. From its opening bars, the track immerses listeners in a world of shadowed textures and pulsing energy, where layered guitars intertwine with a resonant bass and hypnotic vocals to create a sound both cinematic and immediate. It is a commanding example of the band’s ability to marry intensity with sophistication, offering a listening experience that is as compelling as it is darkly immersive. This release also signals a significant expansion of the band’s sonic palette with the addition of guitarist Burnie Eckardt. Working alongside Alex Riggen, Ozzie Woods, and Nick Pompou, Eckardt’s contributions add depth and dimension, enhancing the intricate interplay of melodies and rhythms.

Born out of sessions following their 2024 album Mannequin Deposit, Sweet Foxhound bridges the band’s past and present, retaining the moody textures that define their sound while introducing new layers of complexity and nuance. What makes Sweet Foxhound particularly striking is its tension between drive and restraint. The track maintains a forward momentum that propels the listener through its progression, yet beneath the surface lies a deliberate subtlety, a quiet unease that heightens the emotional impact. It is this duality—urgent yet reflective, melodic yet dark—that gives the song its lingering power and reinforces the band’s mastery of gothic post-punk dynamics.

Placed within the context of The House Flies’ discography, Sweet Foxhound demonstrates both refinement and evolution. Their debut Glimmer EP (2023) established their atmospheric identity, while Mannequin Deposit (2024) broadened their musical scope. This latest single crystallizes those developments, offering a distilled and focused vision of what the band can achieve. Sweet Foxhound stands as a testament to The House Flies’ commitment to pushing their sound forward. It is at once haunting and exhilarating, a carefully crafted exploration of mood, texture, and momentum that points toward an even more ambitious future for the band.