Scruffy folkies Fleet Foxes were huge in 2008, releasing both the Sun Giant EP and a self-titled LP whose earnest vocals, soaring melodies and delicate instrumentation made all the indie girls swoon and the indie boys grow unkempt beards. It has been a long time coming, but the guys from Seattle have released another charmer. Below is "Helplessness Blues", the track from the upcoming sophomore album of the same name. The album will be out May 3 on Sub Pop, so get to the preview below.
Starting with an anthemic strum of acoustic warmth, the vocals follow steeped in classic pop-folk traditions. The imagery of nature butting against modern life theme in the lyrics is moving as the dueling harmonies grab hold. The build is deliberate with the first half of the track feeling like a Simon & Garfunkel Graduate outtake. Then the change happens and the en vogue homaging of CSNY in today's indie folk follows through with unsullied beauty and passion, a lost virtue in an angry world and a cynical recording industry. I am no folkie, but I really, really like this.
Preorder Helplessness Blues and download various free tracks here.
Purchase the Sun Giant EP here.
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Bonus: Fleet Foxes - Drops in the River (from Sun Giant)
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