Phox

My favorite song of 2014 was "Slow Motion" by Phox. That song alone establishes this six-piece outfit out of Baraboo, Wisconsin as formidable song craftspeople.  They were friends before they were bandmates, and bring energy to their performances that suggest they would be doing it regardless of any record deal or paid gigs. Although their songs may at first blush seem lightweight, they have a gravitas which bodes well for future work. (Eric Holland)