Until May of this year, Fleet Foxes hadn’t released a full-length album since their self-titled release in 2008. “Helplessness Blues”, the second album by the Seattle, Washington band, is mellow, and smooth. It’s perfect for passing around a couple of joints and talking about God, or staring at the walls and contemplating. Reminiscent of sixties folk, it relies heavily on acoustic guitars, strings and haunting vocal harmonies that Brian Wilson would be proud of. Fleet Foxes plays with dynamics in classic ways, too, introducing heavy strings and deep bass during huge crescendos and quiet vocals during decrescendos to create dramatic tension. Helplessness Blues is a bit darker and more contemplative than their first album, proving that the band has the potential to reach beyond sunny folk songs. The lyrics approach identity struggles, frustration and lack of progress, and questions about dying, all the while staying hopeful, without coming across as depressing or melodramatic. This depth is easily found in the title track.
Considered “Critically Acclaimed” by Metacritic and “Best New Music” by Pitchfork, and given four out of five stars by Rolling Stone, “Helplessness Blues” is a must-hear.
Bohemian Heroes 