When you think of Fleet Foxes previous releases, you envision beautiful harmonies that sweep you away, powerful vocals with a sound heavily influenced by traditional folk songs. This remains true for the recently released ‘Helplessness Blues’. While some of the catchier tracks they are famous for are missing, the haunting melodies and the use of baroque harmonic pop jams is present throughout the entire album. Helplessness Blues is an album that stays true to the distinctive sound that is Fleet Foxes. Musically, the hooks are softer, the arrangements more ambitious, and 1960s British psychedelic folk (Fairport Convention, Vashti Bunyan, Pentangle) a far more palpable influence than the Americana that fueled the band's 2008 debut, refreshing though you may find yourself waiting for a more ‘popy’ janglier number. In the end though, the Seattle boys do not disappoint and staying true to their roots will indeed pay off.
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Sub Pop; 2011
Alesandra Hernandez
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