Fangerlis’s Album ‘Backwoods Fool’ Is a Backwoods Fail

Genre: Folk punk.

Location: Madison, WI-USA.

.Well, well, well, gather ’round, folks, because we’ve got ourselves a musical expedition into the heart of Americana/roots, or as I like to call it, the auditory hinterlands of despair. Enter Fangerlis, a band hailing from Madison, WI, dirty, reckless, wild, political, and ugly, wrapped in the comforting twang of Appalachia. And what better vessel for their lyrical escapades than their album “Backwoods Fool.”

Let’s start with the influences: Bridge City Sinners, Amigo the Devil, Holy Locust, and Marty Robbins. Now, if you’re not scratching your head wondering who the heck Holy Locust is, you’re not alone. But it seems Fangerlis is hell-bent on navigating the obscure waters of the Americana underground. Marty Robbins is in there for good measure, as if Fangerlis is trying to convince you that their roots run deep, even if those roots are buried in the musical graveyard of yesteryear. Perhaps those roots should just stay there!

Now, the kicker: Fangerlis claims their inspiration comes from none other than Red Dead Redemption 2. Yes, you heard it right, a video game about outlaws and the Wild West is the driving force behind this musical endeavor. I can’t decide if that’s a testament to the creative drought or a declaration that the members of Fangerlis have spent more time in front of a screen than honing their musical craft. But hey, who needs authenticity when you’ve got digital cowboys?

Now, let’s dissect the album itself, “Backwoods Fool.” The title alone is a subtle admission of what you’re about to endure – a musical journey into the hinterlands of banjos, rough voices, and even some left-wing politics thrown in for good measure! I cannot even begin t tell you the irony of railing against the MAGA nation while sounding every bit as stupid, inbred, and annoying as the MAGA nation. The song titles are like chapters in a misguided manifesto novella, each one a glimpse into the peculiar world of Fangerlis.

“No Country For Old Men” – a pro-life anthem, because nothing says “let’s tackle a complex socio-political issue” like throwing it into the mix of a folk-infused album. It’s like they wanted to be the Woody Guthrie of the 21st century but missed the mark and became Taylor Swift, instead..

“The Beach” – a tale of a failed relationship that the singer apparently can’t get over. It’s like a musical therapy session, only instead of getting professional help, they decided to pour their heart out in a song. Bravo, Fangerlis, for making emotional baggage sound like a hoedown.

Now, the female singer with a very expressive but rough voice – expressive, yes, rough, absolutely. It’s like she’s channeling the ghosts of Appalachian pioneers through vocal cords that have weathered more storms than a creaky old barn. Sounds like a banshee battling with strep throat. But hey, rough is in, right?

In conclusion, Fangerlis is the kind of band that makes you question your taste in music and wonder if outlaw ethos and Appalachian vibes are a harmonious match or a discordant disaster. “Backwoods Fool” might be an apt title, but it’s also a warning – proceed with caution into the musical wilderness that is Fangerlis. Madison, WI-known for its cheese and yuppies-now has Fangerlis to add to its list of peculiar exports.

Hold onto your suspenders and flannel, because Fangerlis is gearing up for a musical spectacle that promises to be as awkward as a square dance at a funeral. They’ve got big plans, folks, starting with the filming of their first music video for “Bite My Tongue” in the upcoming spring/early summer – because nothing says cinematic masterpiece like a low-budget Americana romp. But wait, there’s more! Fangerlis is plotting a mini-midwest tour in the summer, as if the heartland hasn’t suffered enough. Picture this – Fangerlis rolling into towns like a musical tumbleweed, leaving a trail of confused locals in their wake. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more bizarre, they have two new songs ready to debut at their first gig back in 2024 on Feb 10th, conveniently titled the “Shitshow Fest” at Vic’s Place in Harvard, IL. Well, you gotta give them points for self-awareness…

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