By Carly Montan
Web Features and Opinion Editor
Fleet Foxes have yet again fused their signature folk, chamber and light rock into a relaxed acoustic album: “Helplessness Blues,” released May 3. Although this new release lacks the cohesiveness found in Fleet Foxes’ debut, “Helplessness Blues” sees Fleet Foxes successfully dipping their toes into a more free, soulful strain of folk.
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, the quintet is led by Robin Pecknold, who writes the lyrics, plays guitar and sings lead vocals. The other five members accompany him with drums, mandolin, bass guitar, keyboards and a variety of different minor instruments. Their songs are built around baroque tempos, with moving guitar melodies and hymn-like background vocals.
Fleet Foxes had a lot to live up to after their 2008 self-titled debut, as this album has now become the archetype for the band’s maturity and style. “Fleet Foxes” features unusually light and carefree vocals that blend with rich, rhythmic strings and actively moving percussion.
“Helplessness Blues” is Fleet Foxes’ second album and third production, and it maintains a woodsy and unique feel throughout. Strong and smooth vocals fit perfectly together with each new harmony.
“Montezuma,” the opening track, begins with bubbly guitar and a simple vocal melody not unlike many that surface throughout the album. As the song carries on, choral backgrounds and shimmering mandolin play up the band’s ethereal folk qualities.
“The Shrine / An Argument,” another standout track, shows a grittier side of Fleet Foxes. Pecknold’s pure voice is transformed into a bluesy yell full of vocal turnovers and rock influences. Although rare, these out-of-the-box moments are precious. The song ends with a heavier drumbeat and a large dose of experimentation, including a squawking saxophone, synthesized noises and orchestral long tones.
One flaw of the album exists in its track list. “Helplessness Blues” should have ended one song early, with “Blue Spotted Tail.” Its sweet guitar and enrapturing vocals display the contemplative lyrics well in their silken dynamics.
Conversely, the sequential song “Grown Ocean” hypes up again, leaving the listener anxious for more. This track is sensational, with trademark sounds, but would have been better placed elsewhere on the album.
Sophistication and complexity of sound are a cakewalk for the Fleet Foxes. “Helplessness Blues” is only the beginning of their exploration and branching out into more experimental approaches, so newer fans and die-hards alike can expect further indulgences from the folksy quintet.
“Helplessness Blues” is an acoustic indie-rock essential. It is available on iTunes and in retail stores everywhere.
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