Fleet Foxes are folking awesome

By Erin Mae Szrankowski
Collegian Editor
April 16, 2008

Fleet Foxes are Seattle natives, recent Sub Pop signees, recipients of Pitchfork’s “best music” pick and EP-dropping fools. There is nothing I don’t like about these guys. After an album in 2006 and one recently in March 2008, this band has been taking off at a fast pace. Currently, they are getting their time on the road with Sub Pop labelmates Blitzen Trapper.

Fleet Foxes’ baroque folksy pop style is something that has been explored by others, but the act gives the mentioned genres new meanings.

The new EP (the first released on Sub Pop) Sun Giant is a good, succulent, five song sampling of FF’s Zombies and Beach Boys-like harmonic style that leaves you wanting more. Sun Giant has the means to be the soundtrack to sunrises, late night driving sessions or even laying on a beach. There is, however, a warning: it is hard to stop listening to Fleet Foxes.

Vocalist Robin Peckhold conjures an entrancing harmony that aptly sets off the mood to this EP on the title track. Repeatedly, he recites “what a life” as a distant banjo provides an eerie exit to the song.

Bowed cello strings give way to the upbeat, “Drops in the River.” This tune features jangly guitars and more of a formed beat. Nicholas Peterson rattles around a bell-like percussion which adds to the lightly pulsating beat in the background.

“English House” sounds as if ’60s southern folk met Native American tribal style music. These contrasting elements overlap, forming a texture of glorious sound. It is comparatively less subtle than their other songs due to more of a musical force. The rhythm of drums leads Peckhold on a journey, traveling in and out of the sound.

Mykonos may be a scenic town in Greece, but in Fleet Foxes’ case “Mykonos” is a bitter goodbye to a former friend, maybe lover. “I remember how they took you down, as the winter turned the meadow brown,” is said tenderly while background vocals scale up and down creating a climbing affect. The mix of poetry and intricate music creates a special atmosphere that is unable to be found within most of today’s music.

On Sun Giant, there is a strong emphasis placed upon all of the vocals, which shine through the instrumental recordings. The recording is warm, complementing to the nature of the songs.

The last song off Sun Giant is the ever-so-delicate “Innocent Son.” The opener was phenomenal, and so was the closer. Peckhold once again delivers vocally, accompanied only by a guitar. In a desperate manner he sings from his soul: “Rust suddenly falling beside me on a ghost of a morning/riding in sorrow to the harbor/far behind oh me the bodies of my friends hanging alone again.”

Sun Giant is a must have of an EP. It is a perfect listen for any day of the year, or any season for that matter. Their music is timeless and unheard of. The charm of Fleet Foxes lies within their passion for the sound they create. It will be hard to wait for future releases knowing that when I put on the CD it will be a magical experience.

szrankowskie1@lasalle.edu