If Crosby, Stills and Nash had travelled forward in time about 25 or 30 years, they would be Fleet Foxes, the Seattle Band with eerily similar melodies and harmony. Saturday October 18th at Western Washington's PAC was a wonderfully crisp fall night battling the mid 40 degree temperatures while inside the warming harmonies of the 5-piece band the Fleet Foxes surrounded me. Rarely has a band with such talent in terms of their singing autonomy struck me. Four of the band's five members contributed to the rich tones and harmonies that ricocheted throughout the hall. The band's main singer never stuck out more than any other singer as they all brought such a balanced sound. The drummer displayed amazing coordination techniques as he played the drums with tambourines, sang lovely harmonies and still played alternating rhythms on the bass drum. The multitude of instruments used to layer in the sound of their music was also quite astonishing: mandolin, several acoustic and electric guitars, multiple hand percussion instruments such as tambourines, maracas, and an organ.
While this band seems to avoid being placed in any one genre, I believe they are a blend of folk, acoustic rock and "alternative." If you enjoy the Decemberists, Crosby, Stills & Nash or Van Morrison, you would enjoy this band. The lead singer repeatedly referred to songwriters that he admired (all ones I've never heard of except for Joni Mitchell). It was clear that their musical interests went far beyond listening to playbacks of their own songs on reel to reel. As their tour is carrying them on now across the Western part of Europe, it is clear that their music contains elements that are drawing multiple crowds. The fans packing out the PAC ranged in age from mid-teens to ex-hippies in their mid 50's although the average age was probably around 25-30. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for these talented songwriters and musicians.
Afterthought: As I was looking for more information about the Fleet Foxes, I went to google and found a link to Wikipedia (which has everything). I felt good reading that Rolling Stone magazine had also compared them to the likes of Crosby, Stills and Nash (and that I came up with that on my own). After reading this review at the Stranger (a Seattle indie-newspaper), I realized with shock that this incredible stage presence that singer Robin brings is from an only 21 year old man. If you just heard his voice on the lyrics of Mykonos, you'd swear he was at least 40. Just think what world travelling, more maturity and a few beers might do for him and his mates!
