Marc Fong/Marc Fong Photography

After playing 37 shows around the country for the last two months, The Stone Foxes wound up at The Independent in their hometown for their official album release. The 5 song EP Visalia, released September 15th, was conceived at a farmhouse in a town of the same name and recorded in Oakland.

Friday night was The Stone Foxes 2nd Annual Thanksgiving show and the first time their fans at home got a taste of their new songs live. After the electrifying set from Psychedelic Cumbia Punk rockers, Thee Commons’ people packed the house, more than ready to rock.

Marc Fong/Marc Fong Photography

Dripping sweat within minutes on stage, The Stone Foxes undeniably brought the rock. About three songs in, lead singer Shannon Koehler jumped on drums, drummer Brian Bakalian got on guitar while bassist Vince Dewald took over vocals. Without skipping a beat, changed things up so seamlessly (…more like sly foxes). Uniquely featuring three female back-up singers that only slightly softened the bluesy garage rock, their presence was a welcomed addition, giving the band a touch more of that retro rock ‘n’ roll edge.

The Stone Foxes were personable and ecstatic; feeding off the beaming energy in the room, their performance was focused yet down to earth. Bringing their show home for the holidays for two years now, SF was happy to be stuffed with their new music and then some. It was my first time seeing The Stone Foxes, and now I know why they’re a San Francisco favorite. Their blues rock is crisp, their keen playing clean and it’s packaged and delivered with an inviting showmanship.

The Stone Foxes are taking their show on the road through California, Oregon and Washington starting up again next month at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz.

Marc Fong/Marc Fong Photography