Fleet Foxes debuted their self-titled album in 2008, setting their tone as a unique indie folk band. Ever since then they’ve been progressing their style, incorporating unique messages, and using a wide variety of instrumentation. When their second studio album, Helplessness Blues was released, it was brilliant. It was the perfect fusion of introducing new elements to their sound all while keeping their unique style. Furthermore, it delivered messages about the problems current generations face through its lyrics. Their new album, Shore dropped as a surprise release with little promotion on September 22nd. It, barring a few bumps, is an enjoyable album, especially when compared to Crack-Up, their last album (a previous SCAD Radio staff pick), which was heavily experimental and progressive. Fleet Foxes continues to push the ideas of this musical experimentation in Shore, but it is done in a more woven way than compared to Crack-Up.
The album opens with a featured vocalist, Uwade Akhere, who, as an up and coming artist, listeners won’t necessarily know. She creates this ethereal tone that is almost playful. Her voice paired with this slow guitar sets a different tone compared to their other albums. The bright sound gives off the tone of innocence all while still being slow paced.
This tone continues throughout the album and creates an overall feeling, with the theme being the ocean or the titular shore, a prevailing theme explored in their other albums. It seems as if the ocean is a comforting spot to Robin Pecknold, the lead singer-songwriter of the band. He seems to see his aspirations through the view of it.
Even though there isn’t a lyrically consistent concept to it like Helplessness Blues or the self-titled had, it still follows a dedicated theme. This album addresses new concepts and lyrical themes while still sticking with subjects Pecknold has previously explored in the past.
Along with themes of self reflection, political stances, and relationships, this album also includes tributes to artists who’ve influenced Pecknold along with a featured artist and a sample from another artist, Brian Wilson. Tracks such as “Maestranza”, “Young Man’s Game”, and “Cradling Mother, Cradling Woman” encapsulate his influences perfectly. “Young Man’s Game” does a perfect job at intermingling different styles with his in a really satisfying way. Compared to other Fleet Foxes’ songs it has a faster tempo, and is reminiscent of a rock hit. In an interview with Pitchfork, Pecknold discusses the influence that the late John Prine had on him. I think this song evokes his style really well, which is a fitting remembrance of the late folk songwriter.
Fleet Foxes’ Shore is what the experimentation from Crack- Up was trying to build up to, and it paid off . The album manages to deliver a satisfying, bright sound as well as include all of the hallmarks that made Fleet Foxes the great band that it is. The poetic lyrics, the hymnal sounds, the soft acoustic and electric guitar are all there, while drawing palpable inspiration from the great artists of then and now. The feeling of comfort is something that everyone needs right now, and this album helps provide some. Shore is definitely worth the listen for any folk rock enthusiasts.
Favorite Tracks: “Young Man’s Game”, “Shore”, “For A Week Or Two”, “Sunblind”, “Featherweight”
