Foxvalley – Brighter, Further

Foxvalley returns in 2025 with Brighter, Further, a radiant and emotionally charged follow-up to his debut Palettes & Pitfalls. This sophomore album marks a continued evolution of the Chicago-based artist’s signature “power liquid” style—a hybrid form of liquid drum and bass infused with the drive of modern EDM. Drawing from his roots as a classically trained pianist and percussionist, Foxvalley merges technical precision with heartfelt expression, crafting a body of work that is both rhythmically compelling and atmospherically uplifting.

The rhythmic architecture of Brighter, Further stands as a testament to Foxvalley’s deep understanding of percussion and groove. The breakbeats across the album are intricately programmed, with crisp snares, rolling hi-hats, and syncopated kicks that propel each track forward at high velocity. Rather than overwhelming the listener, the complex layering feels purposeful and nuanced, offering moments of dynamic intensity balanced by more spacious, breathing intervals. Throughout the record, Foxvalley expertly manipulates tempo and cadence, ensuring each track maintains momentum while offering rhythmic variation that rewards close listening.

Synth work on Brighter, Further is luminous and emotionally rich. The producer leans heavily into shimmering pads, euphoric lead lines, and arpeggiated motifs that sparkle across the stereo field. Many tracks showcase rising chord progressions that convey a sense of aspiration and movement, consistent with the album’s titular theme of brightness and forward motion. Foxvalley’s sound design is clean and polished, with attention paid to the timbral balance between melodic and percussive elements. Sub-bass frequencies are deep yet controlled, anchoring the harmonic content without ever overshadowing the melodic top lines.

Atmospherically, the album is cohesive and immersive. From the opening moments, there is an intentional focus on positivity, light, and emotional elevation. The textures are warm and enveloping, inviting the listener into a sonic space that feels both expansive and intimate. Foxvalley’s arrangements often follow a narrative arc, building from soft intros through tension-filled crescendos to euphoric drops, before resolving into reflective outros. This storytelling quality enhances the emotional impact of each track, allowing the album to resonate on both a cerebral and visceral level.

While clearly grounded in the drum and bass tradition, Brighter, Further makes subtle nods to adjacent genres, including jungle, liquid funk, and even cinematic EDM. These influences are integrated with finesse, never distracting from the central vision. Each track is unified by a shared tone—one of hopefulness, emotional clarity, and forward momentum. There is a deliberate effort to make each piece danceable, yet also suitable for headphone introspection, showcasing Foxvalley’s versatility as both a producer and composer.

Ultimately, Brighter, Further is a celebration of feeling—of movement, melody, and memory. With this release, Foxvalley not only reinforces his position as a standout artist within the drum and bass landscape, but also demonstrates the unique emotional depth that “power liquid” can offer. We are proud to feature such a high-quality and heartfelt release on our webzine, and we’re confident it will leave a lasting impression on listeners drawn to music that aims to uplift and inspire.

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