Fleet Foxes' "Crack-Up"': A Review
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Fleet Foxes' "Crack-Up"': A Review

After a 6 year hiatus, Fleet Foxes come back with a lengthy and introspective affair.

43
Fleet Foxes' "Crack-Up"': A Review
Flickr

Chamber and indie folk band Fleet Foxes have recently returned with "Crack-Up", their third LP. Atmospheric and lush, the album sports the longest run time for Fleet Foxes as of yet, being almost an hour long.

Not as pastoral and indie folk as once was yet till just as acoustic, Fleet Foxes have changed to a more progressive folk sound on their new album. The sound is warm and layered, with a large amount of influences affecting it; from the more obscure sounds of Native Americans to the mainstreamed Steve Reich, Fleet Foxes seem to leave nothing untouched in their songs.

Every part of their music is well crafted, with impeccable production backing it up. Due in part to their various influences, Fleet Foxes more than ever have a unique style, and one that can be seen throughout.

Heavy on personal reflection, a theme explored by Fleet Foxes before, "Crack-Up" seems to put forward all the introspection Fleet Foxes have had over the years since 2011's "Helplessness Blues". Going from many different atmospheres and settings but always keeping this theme of self-introspection, "Crack-Up" thus provides a mantra of sorts to its listener.

Perhaps not as whimsical and focused as previous albums because of its length and production, "Crack-Up" still manages to be the most instrumentally ambitious album Fleet Foxes have put out by a long ways.

Furthermore, one can easily hear every song as the same and molding into each other if not listening close enough. The unique sound that Fleet Foxes craft can make them fall privy to this even more, as it all creates one similar sonic wall.

The lyrics can also be much too obtuse at times, with literary references that few would recognize, including me. The song structures themselves can also at times be very complex to follow, making the album seem like a think piece more than anything else.

The album is one that is sure to rift people, but also one that requires multiple listens because of its length and layers. For instance, "Crack-Up" boasts increasingly strong and catchy melodies and harmonies, though many may not click right away.

Ultimately, "Crack-up" is a shift in Fleet Foxes' musical style. Though complex, the songs are still very casual in their playing. The lyrics, too, can be looked into only as much as the listener wants, getting as complex as they want it to.

With "Crack-Up", Fleet Foxes are asking a little more out of their listeners in their attentiveness; an attentiveness that can easily pay off if the listener decides they enjoy Fleet Foxes now expertly crafted, low-key and complex sound.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40650
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25244
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950858
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

132816
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments