Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes Album Review
Full Length 2008 Release From Seattle Based Band
Emerged from Seattle, WA, the Fleet Foxes's - 'Fleet Foxes' album reflects an almost unique universe of innocence with mixed emotions, reflective rhythms and earnest orchestration. Its cappella and gospel touch is part of the band's cultural musical background that includes early influences by the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bob Dylan and America. Evolving from the classic indie rock genre, the full length 2008 release from the Seattle based band, includes mostly pastorals combined with 60's pop motifs and a bohemian touch. Their previous EP, Sun Giant was just a glimpse of what the band was capable of in terms of soothing, freewheeling composition.
The 11 songs produce a mesmerizing effect and are carefully molded to express the strong melodic force of baroque harmonic folk music. Its lyrics are hauntingly beautiful and produce themes of reflection, introspection and nostalgia. Their self-titled debut album not only impresses worldwide audience with its exquisite vocal harmonies and lyrical poetry, but it may stand out in a few years, as an indie-pop classic album and arguably, one of the best of 2008.
'White Winter Hymnal' - Interpretation of an Adventure With Lyrical Craftsmanship
The album kicks off with a tune which makes your imagination wonder over an orange sunrise with a red squirrel pondering endlessly. 'White Winter Hymnal' is an example of the group's vocal interpretation of an adventure, with lyrical craftsmanship: 'And, Michael, you would fall and turn the white snow red as strawberries in the summertime'.
A sense of immortality grasps your soul when you are on top of Beringer Hill. With a tambourine and shuffling drums, 'Ragged Wood' resonates in a surreal beat between feelings of early spring and misty mountain tops.
'Tiger Peasant Song' and 'Quiet Horses' - Premonitions of Life and Death in the Quivering Forest
What follows, 'Tiger Peasant Song' and 'Quiet Horses', is a suite of contemplation over premonitions of life and death, in which Robin Pecknold's vocal harmonics are taking a leap into the distant universe. Their journey through evergreen mountains and rising suns are amplified by a sense of freedom and wisdom, as if acoustic guitar chords can melt away useless spoken words.
'Heard Them Stirring' defines the album's need for instrumental playing and 'Your Protector' may very well stand out as the band's revolutionary tune in the next years with their catchy 'You run with the devil' line. Natural themes are described in 'Meadowlarks' where hummingbirds are symbols of peace and love, whereas 'Blue Ridge Mountains' is beautifully constructed with Casey Wescott's piano rhythm, to express the brotherly anxiety in the quivering forest.
'Olives James' Pays Homage to Deceased Grandparents
The last track on the album, 'Olives James' ends with a cappella choral feel, in which homage is being paid to deceased grandparents: 'On the kitchen table that your grandfather did make/You and your delicate way will slowly clean his faith/And you will remember when you rehearsed the actions of/A innocent and anxious mother full of anxious love'.
Stunning Maturity
Their self-titled debut album stands out for its stunning maturity and lyrical harmonies, and can become a classic of its kind. What is even more fascinating, is that every single song can stand out, and is not dependent by its order, and like their previous EP 'Sun Giant', is exquisitely crafted with haunting tempos and catchy acoustic licks.
Beyond its years, the Fleet Foxes invite you for a mystical 40 minutes journey to the great outdoors.
First Music Award 2008 prize from Uncut Magazine
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