Like so many bands before them, Foxygen will undoubtedly be received as 'another throwback classic rock band' followed by lists of the various bands of the past they emulate.
There are times in music criticism when it seems that all that automatic influence pointing clouds any capacity for stigma-free enjoyable listening. Instantly labeling these guys' influences is way too easy, and at first listen they seem to belong with the the other psychedelic-rock groups of late (Dr. Dog, Black Lips, Tame Impala). So is something different this time? Are they being themselves or is each song some wacky, hybrid combination of different songs from classic rock radio? Think Girl Talk with guitars.
After enjoying these tracks this first time I heard them, I can't help but wonder if what should be more often regarded as good 'authentic' music is a form of song writing that, rather than just reflecting them, sounds contemporary without diminishing the effects of the musician's influences. Maybe? Maybe not? I suppose time will tell for Foxygen.
A few tracks (with influences):
Velvet Underground/Bob Dylan
The Kinks
Elvis Presley/The Rolling Stones/Pink Floyd?
Source:
http://www.tranzcontinental.com/2013/01/foxygen-and-influence-of-influences.html