Every once in a great while the voice of an artist cancels out the noise of world and willingly you stop to give them your full attention. The self titled full length by the Fleet Foxes is a fresh ode of a vintage melodic pop record. It is a welcome anomaly in a contemporary landscape filled with pop music dominated by Broadway want-a-be “Idol” worshiping, break-beat R & B, and the endless succession of imitable Brooklyn hipster bands. Given the band's individuality, it is ironic to discover this Seattle based five piece is signed to the same label (SUB POP) that served as home to the Grunge founders of the early 1990’s. Yet it’s somehow appropriate that another band from the Northwest is breaking new ground in old ways. By fusing popular forms that have similarities to the Brian Wilson influenced pop of the 60’s and the catchy country rock side of Bob Dylan, Fleet Foxes transfuse them into a poetic, contemporary sound of their own.
What’s most refreshing about Fleet Foxes is that they embrace arranging their songs collectively as a band. Each track feels seamlessly built in cohesion; none more evident than witnessed on the meticulous and haunting “Heard Them Stirring.” Through collaboration they are able to transpose the writing strength of lead vocalist Robin Pecknold into soaring structured harmonies. Which are the hall mark of the album and are used delicately to build each song through enforced repetition; evident in the bellowing strength of the stand out “White Winter Hymnal.” Pecknold’s lyrics reflect ponderous storytelling styles that range from early country crooning timber of Neil Young to the more disjointed tenor laden Animal Collective. Despite the intimacy and temporal feel of the album, the lead vocal chorus effect on Fleet Foxes tends to come across a bit over layered. However they use that layering well in mixing somber traces of melancholy with the hopefulness in spirit, derived from leaned nostalgic lessons. Fleet Foxes exemplify a warmth and simplicity, which is as tried and contemporary as any thing that has come before or available now.
Aaron Simms
www.subpop.com/artists/fleet_foxes
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