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There is a definite folk influence pervading U.S. Indie music at present. It started with bands like Midlake and Animal Collective, now Fleet Foxes throw their hat into the ring – and what a considerably excellent hat it is.
Fleet Foxes is a five-piece Seattle based band who describe their music as "baroque harmonic pop jams”. This isn’t too far from the truth. Vocal harmonies are a feature of many of the Foxes tracks, a firm nod to The Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills & Nash. However they also throw in a more modern touch, reminiscent of The Shins on their last album (they also share a producer).
On this, their self-titled debut, pleasingly the bands vocal gifts aren’t the only thing relied on in the eleven song set – sure, the album offers melodies aplenty, but it is the pacing of each track that really stands out. ‘White Winter Hymnal’ is the perfect introduction to the band – you’ll go a long way to hear a more intelligently built pop song. Vocal interplays deliver us an uplifting lead-in to the rhythmic percussion and guitar which lie at the heart of the song. And where many bands would want to mistakenly add more to the track, Fleet Foxes don’t. They are supremely confident in their ability to deliver a great tune.
You know what, I could run through just about every track on this album and espouse why each is great... but don’t simply take my word for it. Instead I’ll present some facts.... Firstly, this is the most critically acclaimed album of the year... secondly, not only successful in America, they got to #11 in the U.K. charts... now that is one heck of a feat for a debut U.S. indie album.
The reason for this success? It’s actually very good.
Essential Tracks
White Winter Hymnal
He Doesn’t Know Why
Blue Ridge Mountains
Full Track Listing
1. Sun It Rises (3:11)
2. White Winter Hymnal (2:27)
3. Ragged Wood (5:07)
4. Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (3:28)
5. Quiet Houses (3:32)
6. He Doesn't Know Why (3:20)
7. Heard Them Stirring (3:02)
8. Your Protector (4:09)
9. Meadowlarks (3:11)
10. Blue Ridge Mountains (4:25)
11. Oliver James (3:23)
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