I'm possibly leaping in a touch prematurely, having only partaken in two full listens of the new Fleet Foxes album. Fantastic start admittedly with "Montezuma" highlighting Robin Pecknold's wonderfully controlled tones with the trademark harmonies creating goosebumps. "Bedouin Dress"along with the title track an album highlight, finger picking intro, a touch of piano before Pecknold's vocal intervenes prior to a quirky piece of violin which precedes the track building beautifully into a chest swelling. For fans of Blanche, listen carefully and you may just pick out an albeit short, slightly familiar piece of guitar work."Helplessness Blues" the track again The Foxes at their best, the surge early within the song raises the hairs on the back of the neck, the change in tempo later also providing variety. At this stage however, I'm slightly disappointed with the album overall. The debut constantly held the attention with flowing melodies, providing an incredible backing to the gorgeous vocals, which doesn't appear the case within this collection. A number of the songs sounding more disjointed and less accessible. "The Shrine/An Argument" a case in point, at over eight minutes an epic taking many twists and turns including a virtual free form jazz wig out towards the end. At least the band are showing sings of experiment rather than following the simple tried and tested formula. Hopefully long term an attribute, the albums which grow rather than initially grab tending to provide true musical longevity within a collection.
I will persevere with "Helplessness Blues" and wouldn't discourage any Fleet Foxes fans from purchasing the album, I have a feeling it's delights will only truly uncovered with persistence.
Helplessness Blues is released on May 2nd.
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