For anyone not up on the indie folk rock scene of the past few years, here’s your newest obsession. Fleet Foxes: a Seattle-born band that formed in 2006. From their first self-titled EP to their second studio album "Helplessness Blues," the band’s mellow sound creates a wonderful addition to any acoustic playlist.
To start: try "Mykonos," a choral-based track from their second EP "Sun Giant."
Currently holding the title of their most played song on Spotify, "Mykonos" takes a guitar track that evokes the very island they mention in the song and mixes it perfectly with a moving bass line and steady drumming. The way they transition into the end (“you go, wherever you go”) mellows out the track even further, rocketing this track to the top of the list for any Fleet Foxes fan. The lyrics, too, are thought-provoking upon a closer listen, perhaps referencing a family feud or something troubling that juxtaposes nicely with the song’s calm sound. For the beginner Fleet Foxes fan, this song is a perfect way to hear the band’s groove and get interested enough to listen more.
After that: try "Montezuma," from their second album, "Helplessness Blues."
"Montezuma" sounds more mournful for sure than "Mykonos," but the choral background that is a hallmark of the band is out in full force on this track. Accompanied by a sparse acoustic arrangement, the song mourns a seemingly meaningless life as the singer tells the listener of his greatest regrets. Although that sounds like a bit of a downer, the trick with Fleet Foxes is that most of their songs sound a lot happier than the lyrics imply. So they’re perfect for sad moods (when you pay more attention to the words) and happier ones (when you want to vibe to the music).
After that, try "White Winter Hymnal," from their first self-titled album.
You might know this song from Pentatonix’s cover on their holiday album (a personal favorite of mine). In this case, though, the original still stands superior to that cover. The guitars make a lovely, layered backdrop for (you guessed it) more choral "oohing." Although they do it a lot in their songs, they do it well enough that it’s fresh and enjoyable with each new tune. Again, the lyrics betray a slightly sadder story that is appropriately chilly for the title. This song is probably the second most recognizable tune after "Mykonos," and it makes a wonderful addition to any holiday acoustic playlist.
Finally, try "Helplessness Blues," from the album of the same title.
This song, which actually was a free single on iTunes some years back (and how I actually discovered the band), anchors the album in its almost nihilistic hope for the future, and the singer’s hopes for his lost love. This track has a bit more of an electric edge than the previous ones, and the new guitar line mixes well with all the hallmarks of a classic Fleet Foxes track. It’s perfect for the new fan who’s starting to dig further into their catalog.
If you like indie folk, you won’t regret giving Fleet Foxes a listen. They’re artful in the way that they craft their songs, and for a chill, sleepy sound, they’re the perfect choice.
