Fleet Foxes returned triumphantly to New York as they ended the season at the Williamsburg Waterfront. The band headlined two sold-out nights at the United Palace Theatre in May and after a successful summer, returned to deliver yet another spirited and evocative performance.
Fleet Foxes bring beautiful vocal harmonies to draw in any crowd. Concerts become intimate affairs as the space closes in and the focal point shifts to lush melodies and cascading musical shifts. Inviting and beautiful, it’s a very organic experience. A campfire among friends. After the gorgeous sunset to end The Walkmen’s supporting set, Fleet Foxes welcomed fans with a short message; “you are at a musical concert congratulations.”
Full review of the night after the jump
A simple yet poignant statement. Sharing a unique, totally human experience, with thousands of strangers. The way the crowd can disappear as Fleet Foxes cut into “Mykonos” early on, it’s impressive. A communal experience as each individual feels compelled to let loose. The Waterfront was perfect for finding a place and experiencing Fleet Foxes your own way. Fans could marvel at the gorgeous skyline while “Battery Kinzie,” grab their loved one during “Lorelai” or dance to “White Winter Hymnal.” A way to welcome the warmth that fall can bring despite its colder temperature.
While Fleet Foxes stuck with the same set during their two night stand in New York, this time around the band added some deeper cuts from their previous albums. This included “English House,” “Quiet Houses” and “The Plains/Bitter Dancer.” It added some texture and let the band deliver an atmospheric performance. The set opening “The Plains/Bitter Dancer” was a great way to slowly build up the fervor and introduce each element of the band.
Helplessness Blues was the focus earlier in the year and it still dominates the set list. The songs from the album were some of the strongest, offering great musical diversity that expanded the band’s sound. Vocal harmonies may have been what grabbed your attention but the sheer musicality is what made the songs linger in your consciousness. That emphasis on musicality shines in songs like “The Shrine/An Argument” and “Grown Ocean.”
Fleet Foxes let their voices and instruments soar into the humid night air. Nothing to really enhance acoustics, the band just delivered a strong musical performance. Their voices carried to the back of the crowd and was never swept away by a gust of wind. The introspective lyrics and vulnerability are buttressed by passion and musical vigor. It was another strong vocal performance by Robin Pecknold and the rest of the band put on spirited performances, constantly switching between instruments and tempos. Flutes, violins, added guitars all rounded out the performance. The drums sounded great as they propelled the music forward and led the charge into different musical landscapes.
Fleet Foxes continue to dazzle New York. After three visits to New York in a year, this may be the last Fleet Foxes concert for awhile. “I Let You” was a new song that opened the encore, showing that the band has not slowed down while touring. If this was farewell for awhile for Fleet Foxes, it was the best way to go out.
Fleet Foxes Set List
The Plains/Bitter Dancer
Mykonos
English House
Battery Kinzie
Bedouin Dress
Sim Sala Bim
Your Protector
White Winter Hymnal
Ragged Wood
Montezuma
He Doesn’t Know Why
Lorelai
The Shrine/An Argument
Blue Spotted Tail
Grown Ocean
-Encore-
I Let You (Robin Pecknold solo)
Sun It Rises
Blue Ridge Mountains
Helplessness Blues
