Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

Seattle, Washington's finest Fleet Foxes are back with their highly anticipated follow up to their 2008 self-titled debut album, Helplessness Blues. The indie-folk group attempts to build off the success of their prior record by continuing to express their indie-folk sentiment with captivating melodies and dynamic instrumentation that has made this effort so worthwhile.

The album opens up with "Montezuma" a lush, orchestral folk ballad that opens up your eyes and ears to lead singer Robin Picknold's beautiful and organic vocals which add a distinct element that can be heard in every Fleet Foxes song. "Bedouin Dress" picks up the melodic tempo a bit with an upbeat folk tune that features elements of acoustic guitar and mandolin that really add to the band's authenticity and style. "Battery Kinzie" is a lush, overflowing folk tune complete with Robin's comforting vocal presence putting everything at ease with the help of guitars and other assorted instruments to make you feel right at home with the band. My favorite song off the album is the disc's title track, a captivating and alluring track that features light acoustic guitar arrangements built around Robin's amazing and layered vocal arrangements echoing strongly long after this song has ended.

The disc's second half opens up with "The Cascades", a peaceful and comforting instrumental track that almost makes you feel like you're one with nature, overlooking a gushing waterfall while surrounded by tall, overarching trees. "Lorelai" is a track based on an almost similar premise, but with vocals added this time around to enhance the musical intensity and build an emotional connection with the listener as well. "The Shape / An Argument" is a longform folk track that is the best example of Robin's rapturing and awe-inspiring vocals which continue to get stronger and more intricate as the disc carries along. We get ready to conclude the album with"Blue Spotted Tail" a quiet, peaceful folk ballad that features simple folk based instrumentation that sees the band taking a bare bones approach that works extremely well here. The disc concludes with "Grown Ocean", a melodic and orchestral tune that shows off all the extraordinary talents that the band is capable of possessing in one simple arrangement. Folk music these days is enjoying a resurgence of sorts never seen before, with acts like Bright Eyes and Mumford & Sons bringing folk music directly into the mainstream consciousness, something that has never been done before. Fleet Foxes are another in this growing line of bands who are bringing something new and refreshing to the eyes and ears of music listeners.

All in all, a terrific effort here from Fleet Foxes who have crafted an exquisite follow up effort that continues on their musical quest to bring something groundbreaking and inviting to both new and established fans who want to hear music that best represents and embodies the true American spirit. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                        Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Montezuma
2. Bedouin Dress
3. Sim Sala Bim
4. Battery Kinzie
5. The Plans / Bitter Dancer
6. Helplessness Blues
7. The Cascades
8. Lorelai
9. Someone You'd Admire
10. The Shrine / An Argument
11. Blue Spotted Tail
12. Grown Ocean