Phox: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

I first saw Phox in an impromptu concert at a restaurant in Philadelphia. I thought the band was talented and charming, and I still do. Phox is six friends from Baraboo, Wis., who make pretty, catchy music. The group’s not-so-secret weapon is Monica Martin, who sings with a smoky lilt in front of spare, tasteful instrumentation. You can hear that warm, accessible sound on Phox’s 2014 debut, which was recorded at Wisconsin’s April Base studio, built by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and his brother. Touring has tightened this band since that off-the-cuff restaurant performance last year, as this marvelous performance at the Tiny Desk suggests. -- BOB BOILEN Set List “Kingfisher“ 0:00 “1936“ 3:47 “Slow Motion“ 7:55 Credits Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Nick Michael, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Morgan McCloy; Photo by Morgan McCloy/NPR