From the lilting vocal harmonies of “Sun it Rises” to the final desperate cries of “Oliver James,” it is immediately apparent that Fleet Foxes’ first full length album is going to be one of the most talked about recordings of 2008. By utilizing a rich tapestry of pastoral music, stripped down melodies then rebuilt into complex sonic cathedrals, the band has accomplished the rare feat of successfully marrying folk music to a more forward thinking structure. The glue that sticks it all together is the band’s soaring vocal harmonies: spine-tingling laments proving that not only can guys have pretty voices, but that they can also make it seem cool.

Fleet Foxes strength lies in, more than anything, the vocal ability of lead singer Robin Pecknold. While he has a terrific range, he’s no diva; rarely seeking to become the focal point of each song. Instead he consistently chooses to let his lyrics smoothly flow into the surrounding atmosphere of guitar, mandolin, and drums. This compliments the music’s complexity – no voice, keystroke, or guitar strum is overshadowed. It is interesting to note that one of his primary influences is the atmospheric melodies of Nintendo role playing games – it isn’t hard to imagine some of the arrangements as backing tunes for games like Final Fantasy. “Heard Them Stirring” is a perfect example of this with its mystical feel and visceral emotional baggage.

On the other side of the spectrum, songs like “Ragged Wood” and “Your Protector” have a slightly more rock infused sound – likely prompting some to exclaim alt country! or indie rock! In reality Fleet Foxes doesn’t really fit either of these categories cleanly. Instead, each member has found a home somewhere in the peripherals of the genres – much like Grizzly Bear, a band with whom they share some similarities. This genre bending is most obvious in “White Winter Hymnal,” probably the best track on the album. The song could be classified as Spiritual, Folk, or Classic Rock, though it itself defies characterization by any single label.

Though last year’s Sun Giant EP was pretty good, this record really amplifies the fact that Fleet Foxes is a band which is on the march towards better things. Having heard the band now, live as well as recorded, I am convinced that the group doesn’t have many weaknesses (beyond what could be considered not the greatest band name). I am looking forward to many more listens this summer.

Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal” (mp3)

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Also: (Fleet Foxes @ Cedar Cultural Center) (“He Doesn’t Know Why” Video)