Now I don't often write music reviews, however having recently bought the Fleet Foxes album, I am compelled to rave about them.

Now this band are like no other in todays music, however I guess there comparisons can be made with an earlier more ecletic mix of crosby stills and nash mixed with fleetwood mac, add a smuttering of Brian Wilson from the beach boys and Bob Dylan and your kinda getting close.

Their routes are definietly in folk music, with what I like to call "Peasant Rock"......weired I know, but its really hard to pigeon hole them and essentially this is why I like them so much. Originality in todays music is the holy grail and much like one of my other favourite bands Sigur Ros, Fleet Foxes stand alone with a unique blend of folky pop/rock.

THE BAND

Robin Pecknold
Skyler Skejelset
Nicholas Peterson
Casey Wescott
Craig Curran

The fleet Foxes first came into view back in 2006 when they were gaining some success off of their MYSPACE page (infact they got over quarter of miliion hits in 2 months!). Obviously this raised a few eyebrows (not to mention a few dollar signs were lighting up in some record producers eyes) so they signed an album deal with Warner Music. Up until this point, the band had only gained exposure via MYSPACE but were certainly gaining a healthy reputation within the music industry.

In 2008 the band released the hit EP "Sun Giant" which propelled them forwards and was followed up with the release of the album after their name sake "Fleet foxes".

THE ALBUM

SONG 1 SUN IT RISES

I like the start of the album because you are immediately familiarised with the fleet foxes sound. A five piece harmony opens up the song, followed up with drifiting guitar licks and a hammond organ. This song is etched with influences of Brian Wislon and the beach boys. A nice opener

SONG 2 WHITE WINTER HYMNAL

This song is amazing. Superb Harmonies, superb lyrics, superb melody. Its like its been taken clean out of the 60's and 70's and transported to 2009. Totally out of place amongst its R & B and Drum and Bass neighbours and I lOVE IT!!!! Beautifully constructed and catchy to boot.

SONG 3 RAGGED WOOD

A cracking tune, which transports you onto your horse, riding through the valleys in a cheesy western. How did they write this!!!!!! The trick is how authentic it sounds with its folky guitar, rolling bass, gorgeous harmonys and ratatat drums. A great tune.

SONG 4 TIGER MOUNTAIN PEASANT SONG

My favourite song. It has a baroque quality, with stunning classical guitars intertwined beautifully and supported with the incredible soft but sincere vocals of Pecknold. The lyrics are also incredible, but I wont spoil it for you. This song always reminds me of the way Jeff Buckley sings, simple but beautiful.

SONG 5 QUIET HOUSES

This is a really uplifting tune which again displays all the traits you are coming to expect from the fleet foxes. In essence it is the stunning 5 piece harmonies that they create which gives them such originality from todays bands. Coupled with their obvious talent for writing catchy but original sounding tunes, this bands potential is frightening. One sore point for me through this song is ther fact I don't get on with musicians who repeat lyrics in their songs.....just a personal preference but this song annoys me a bit with its continual "lay me down" vocals.

SONG 6 HE DOESN't KNOW WHY

Another belter, which is beautifully crafted and builds into a fantastic hippy sounding 70's ditty. So simple but brilliantly executed. I love the breakdown in the middle of the song "There is nothing I can do, there is nothing I can say". These harmonies are creamy enough to spread on your toast! Look out for the random piano solo at the end!

SONG 7 HEARD THEM STIRRING

Suprise suprise another harmony opens up the tune with more subtle guitars and organs. This is not my favourite tune as it is just that, a tune, no lyrics in this one, but it does give an insight into their incredible ability to create yet more seamless harmonics. Perhaps a little self indulgent this one? Are they running out of material already I wonder?

SONG 8 YOUR PROTECTOR

Turns out Song 7 was just a little breather before the somewhat intense Your Protector. Flutes open this song before it opens into a strangely greek sounding western, thats the only way I can describe it! a strange tune, not one of my favourites

SONG 9 MEADOWLARKS

Just when you think the album is starting to petre out, your saved by yet another stunning song. Again its simplicity is its beauty. As I always thought, a guitar and a great voice alone can have all the impact you need, and this one of the best examples of that. Brilliant. Of course you do get the odd harmony floating in and out which adds to the beauty of this amazing tune. This is un-obvious song writing at its best.

SONG 10 BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

I like this song as again its lyrics are exceptional and the song is uplifting. I Particulary like the jangly guitars and piano. Its a slow burner but gradually builds into another catchy tune. Good song.

SONG 11 OLIVER JAMES

The final song on the album. This is an intriguing story about oliver james, whom I have no idea who he is, but clearly he is no longer with us which is the resonant cry throughout the song.......... "Oliver James washed in the rain, no longer". A tale of loss perhaps? Who knows and I wouldn't like to comment because I hate people who think they know what a songs about but they haven't got a clue! Great tune to end the album

In conclusion, This album is not for everyone. Its beautiful, poetic but a touch weired for some peoples tastes. Personally I think its a groundbreaking opening album for this band. Their ability to write catchy tunes without moving away from their own musical influences and principles is a refreshing addition to the rock music industry in desperate need of a makeover.

PRICE

Only one place I would advise, PLAY.COM £3.99 an absolute bargain!!!!!!!

Sorry I refuse to write about an album cover, just one of my principles in writing a music review! ha ha, it is good though?!!?!?!?!

Hope that helps,

Regards,

Logan