Crack-Up is the awaited third album from Seattle indie-folksters Fleet Foxes. This album finds the Fleet Foxes continuing further inwards with new complications added to their hallowed folk tunes. String sections and muted keyboards find themselves weaved in with the trademarked rising harmonies over guitar strums. The lyrics find themselves more introspective, surely aided by frontman Robin Pecknold’s attendance at Columbia University. Crack-Up rises a little higher and sinks a little lower with the abundance of longer tracks. Fans of the previous two Fleet Foxes records will rejoice in a deeper take on their sound. The longer form does do good for most of the tunes, allowing them space to breathe some life into the Foxes’ tested formula.
“Cassius -” and “- Naiads, Cassadies” are two halves of a movement capturing the sound of the album’s cover, waves crashing on a hard coast. “Kept Woman” is a slow, hollow track that places intense focus on the group’s gorgeous harmonies. “Third Of May” is a personal favorite, featuring the aforementioned step towards jointed orchestrated movements and clocking in at almost nine minutes. “Fool’s Errand” is a shorter, jumpier tune found in the second half that calls to mind the Fleet Foxes’ previous smash singles.
Not all good things come to those who wait, but those who have waited for Crack-Up will find only good things within.
Recommended If You Like: Grizzly Bear, Wilco, Bon Iver, Crosby Stills Nash & Young
Recommended Tracks: 9, 4, 2&3, 5
Do Not Play: None
Written by Doug Bybee on 07/06/2017
