Fleet Foxes Review

July 25, 2011, 4:04 am

Fleet Foxes performed Sunday night Long time KINK Community member Cynthia Orlando was there and filed this review.

Fleet Foxes tour ends on high note


Fleet Foxes lead singer Robin Pecknold says he was inspired by Van Morrison's "Astral Weeks" when he set out to record the band's latest CD, "Helplessness Blues."  Whether Van Morrison's influence could be felt at Fleet Foxes sold-out show Sunday night at the McMenamins Edgefield is up for debate, but what was clear is that their solid musicianship and deftly crafted melodies are building them a large and loyal following. Seamlessly transitioning between new songs and old material, the band seemed right at home from the moment they took the stage.

They opened the show with the driving rhythm of "Grown Ocean" from the new release, then moved right into "Battery Kinzie." Pitch perfect harmonies on "Bedouin Dress," also from the new CD, followed, and much of the crowd stayed on their feet for the duration of the show. If by chance you've been listening to the guitar and mandolin on "Sim Sala Bim" from the new CD but weren't able to make it to Sunday's concert, just imagine the song ten times more powerful and engaging, and you'll be spot on for the way it was performed live.

The glow of a warm summer evening seemed perfect for basking in the ethereal melodies from the new release. And, although "Helplessness Blues" was only just released in May, many in the audience were clearly already well-familiar with the material.

Songs from the new release prompting the greatest reaction included "Montezuma," and the CD's title track. Other concert favorites included many of the older tunes from their full-length debut CD "Fleet Foxes," especially "Your Protector," "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song," and their much-loved "Mykonos." 

A show as exceptional as this one was sure to elicit a standing ovation. Pecknold returned to the stage to perform "Oliver James," and the rest of the band joined him for "Helplessness Blues," the last song of the night.

The show was the last concert of a 5-week tour, but no doubt Fleet Foxes will be out on the road again playing their hearts out and delighting audiences at every stop. If you missed them this time, please promise yourself the chance to hear them live at least once. You'll be hooked.

Hats off to McMenamins for their truly superb sound system for this fresh and remarkable band. "Alela Diane and the Wild Divine" opened the show with a strong, folksy set list. 

Check out "Suzanne" on iTunes for a taste of this talented act.

~ Cynthia Orlando