4Q Magazine

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues (Review)

by Asa Masters on 28.03.11


Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
(Sub Pop, Bella Union, 2011)

The Seattle based folk sextet will release their follow up to 2008’s universally acclaimed self-titles debut album this May 3rd. The groups first record was a major success in the US and UK, earning much radio time and a large following. Their new record, was initially planned for release in 2009, but touring schedules made the band but back the date.

‘Montezuma’ is a great track to start the record with, with the vocals being sung beautifully by Robin Pecknold. ‘Battery Kinzie’ begins with a distinctly Arcade Fire feel, in terms of its vocal direction and piano line. ‘The Plains/ Bitter Dancer builds with brilliant instrumentation and haunting vocals, until the song slows again briefly, before jumping in again with electronic effects on the piano reverb.

‘The Cascades’ starts with a delicate acoustic guitar solo, before reaching into a true folksy, almost medieval essence. It’s a beautifully played instrumental track in the middle of the album. ‘Blue Spotted Tail’ shares this delicate theme, and contains simple, all encompassing lyrics.

Helplessness Blues is a worthy follow up to their much-loved debut. Although individually the songs are not as memorable, they retain the same affection and warm passion. In some tracks, such as ‘The Shrine/ An Argument’, the vocals reach a level of driven expression, and it works perfectly. The technicalities in song craft have perhaps improved from the first record, and it seems as though more thought has gone into the instrumentation this time round, with some more alternative ideas being used in parts of the album.

The vocals remain a centrepiece in the overall sound, however. Of course, this is a positive thing; this band’s vocal ability transcends many other acts out there. Their capacity to produce honey-lined vocals and gorgeous melodies is what separates them from their contemporaries.

The record is, above most things a sincere effort, which seems to have been made with precision. I’m sure this record will do very well under the critics pen when it’s released, but whether it will does as well commercially is a different matter.

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