Fleet Foxes- Orpheum Theatre May 17 2011

 I have been waiting patiently for the last few years for the Fleet Foxes to come back to Boston. My wish was granted on a foggy and chilly Boston night. This was the first time that I saw them and they were pretty much flawless.

 My view from the right hand side of the stage was limited but I was in the 8th row so I could see lead-singer/Guitarist Robin Peckhold, bassist/Vocalist Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott who plays keyboards, mandolin and sings.  Watching Robin play and sing was an amazing experience. Whether he was playing a 12 string or a 6 string he played flawlessly. The instrumentation included 6 and 12 string acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, mandolin, keyboards and flute.

The band is a great group of musicians but what really catches your ears are the breathtaking vocals. Four out of the six Foxes sing. While most of the vocals are sung by Robin the other members added beautiful harmonies, especially from bassist Casey Wescott. The best examples of this was “White Winter Hymnal” and one of the best songs of the night “Mykonos, which included a vocal jam at the end. My favorite song of the night was “Your Protector” from Their self titled debut album.

The band included songs from both full length albums as well as the “Sun Giant” EP.  The new songs sounded great especially “The Shrine/ An Argument” and “Battery Kinzie”, both of which Robin sounds like Simon and Garfunkel simultaneously.  Other stand out songs included “Sim Sala Bim” and the set closing “Helplessness Blues”.

These guys are the real deal. I can honestly say that out of the hundreds of shows I’ve seen that this is easily in the top 5. I have to thank Boston’s WERS for introducing me to the Fleet Foxes’ majestic music. if you ever have a chance to see them I would strongly encourage it. Ii would also encourage you to pick up their latest album “Helplessness Blues”.