Your home state can often maintain a mysterious magnetic pull, pulling you back even throughout the ups and downs of life. Such was the case for the six members of Midwest band Phox. The group went to the same high school in Baraboo, the “Circus City” of Wisconsin, but went their separate ways after graduation. Coincidentally, they all eventually ended up back in Wisconsin, and moved into a house together in Madison. It was there that they created a sound that’s truly hard to describe: Some bits of it are hazy pop-rock, other components rattle and roll with noisy reverb, and other parts still are jazzy and soulful. Whatever they’re doing, it’s working; Phox’s self-titled debut album—released in June—is somethin’ else, intriguing, fresh and ear-perking, featuring frontwoman Monica Martin’s smooth but lilting voice. Trails & Ways are also on the bill. (Kolbie Stonehocker, City Weekly)