WUSC Wednesdays: PHOX

When you’re in search of a little slice of sunshine during these gloomy winter days, look no further than PHOX. It’s no surprise this septet makes such lovely music considering they’re from Wisconsin–the land of small-town summer pleasantries and full falls. How else would one survive the otherwise six months of seasonal depression?

While all the members of PHOX met in high school, they each went their separate ways post-grad, only to find themselves all back in Baraboo. That’s when they took the brave step of moving in together and deciding to fully pursue a musical future. 

PHOX’s leading lady, Monica Martin, is simply divine. Her voice is wholesome and strong, but just light and sweet enough to sing you into a happy sleep night after night. But her voice does not outshine, nor get out-shined by, the folk-pop musicianship going on behind it. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve heard a balance I’ve ever enjoyed quite so much. PHOX makes me want to cruise the rural roads of Wisconsin at sunrise in June.

To hear PHOX, tune in to the Diagnosis Thursday at 6 p.m. on WUSC 90.5 FM or at wusc.sc.edu.