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.
