Pittsburgh natives Young Fox have signed up with John Frazier's (formerly of the T&N family) Spartan Records to release their first EP, Predecessors. The band has been together for nearly two years and features ZAO bassist Martin Lunn. Citing bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, and Anberlin as musical influences, it's obvious where the raw, emotional, and passionate aspects of their music come from. Though it's unfair to classify it in such a small box, Predecessors is largely indie alt-rock, but the sound is really so much larger than that. Young Fox is on a mission to make a positive impact on the world through their musical and lyrical approach.

Songs from Predecessors have been floating around since December when the band originally started streaming a few of them, but since being picked up by Spartan, the EP's official release was July 22nd. "Single Phase" kicks things off and offers an open and airy sound that is nothing short of intoxicating. The Smashing Pumpkins-esque guitars that kick in momentarily at the 3:02 mark really perk your ears up for the rest of what's to come and gives you a clearer picture of their all-around ability. Following are two more really solid tunes in "Gather Up the Flowers" and "The Answer," but they really take things up a notch with track four. According to singer Luke Cypher, "Diet of Worms" is inspired by the life and mission of Martin Luther. Cypher commented in a recent interview that Martin Luther was not concerned about the physical condition of his body, but only that he was spreading love and truth to humanity. Cypher sings, "Use up all my sweat let truth be known; these 95 will start a fire," as a reference to Luther's 95 Theses which led to the protestant reformation. The song is powerful both musically and lyrically. "Define the End" is a fitting closer to the EP. The track features some of the more beautiful lyrics as the song opens with the line, "We see truth in the mystery. We set our sights on things neither can see. And each day I endure; and each day I fall in love a little more." As the song fades at the end, you're already hoping for more than the small taste you've just gotten.

An EP for a new band should be used to grab one's attention and hopefully make people notice you. Young Fox has accomplished that task and so much more. Not only do they grab us with deep lyrical content and great multi-faceted music, they make you want more. Positive messages of love, forgiveness, and redemption coupled with overall great artistic ability make Young Fox a band to watch closely in the future. Talented musicians who understand the theory of putting a song together along with a gifted wordsmith can only lead to great things. This EP could possibly be the best piece of music to release from a new artist so far this year; not many are doing it to this level.

- Review date: 7/29/14, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com