OK Goodnight – The Fox and the Bird (Review)

This is the second album from US progressive metal/rock band OK Goodnight.

The Fox and the Bird contains 52 minutes of modern progressive metal that brings together a variety of influences into a multifaceted whole. A foundation of progressive metal and rock is enriched with elements of pop, jazz, and indie to create music that’s charismatic and highly textured.

The Fox and the Bird is diverse and well-rounded, with each track having a voice of its own within the album’s whole. From soft acoustic beauty to dramatic metallic heaviness, OK Goodnight showcase a mastery of range, while never reaching so far as to exceed their grasp. Generally speaking the album gets heavier and darker as it progresses, although there’s a lot of room for manoeuvre within such a simple statement, (The Bird is a gorgeous late album highlight, for example, and the album closes with the introspective The Rain). Boasting the sort of material that should please fans of different bands like Intervals, Monuments, Karnivool, Radiohead, Muse, and Of Monsters and Men, OK Goodnight have skill and talent in excess.

OK Goodnight create luscious soundscapes filled with vibrant energy, expressive atmosphere, and colourful emotive depth. The album is rich in melody and intricate nuance. The songwriting is strong, demonstrating not only a firm understanding of the basics, but also of advanced techniques such as the creation of fine hooks, dynamic transitions, and atmospheric worldbuilding.

It’s clear that a lot of time and care has gone into these songs. With a compelling narrative that ties each track together, and a clear vision for how each individual song and component should sound not only in its own right, but in reference to everything else here, The Fox and the Bird is engaging and immersive. Striking in its ability to conjure up evocative imagery and draw the listener into its well-drawn world, this really is an album that demands the listener’s attention.

The Fox and the Bird is an engaging and enjoyable album from an impressive band. OK Goodnight have crafted a work of depth and substance, one that’s worth exploring with obsessive adoration.

Very highly recommended.