Fleet Foxes @ 7th Street Entry

There are a few times (and this number grows, the more shows you go to) when the music a band is playing perfectly matches your mood as a listener. And last night, after a somewhat hectic, late-night weekend, the music of Seattle's Fleet Foxes completely matched my slightly drowsy, worn down mood, and proceeded to elevate and invigorate me in the way only good music can. Starting with the jaw-dropping four part harmonies of 'Sun Giant' that sounded great in the sold-out Entry, and continuing straight through into their set without allowing time for applause, the five-piece band simply transfixed the audience with their stunning melodies and haunting, brilliant vocals. There was a lot of chatter around me as the band set up their gear, and I was hoping they would quiet down once the band started playing. It turns out there was no reason to worry, as not only did they stop talking, most of them were left open mouthed and blown away by the soulful harmonies and fragile vulnerablity of the songs Fleet Foxes treated us to.

Drawing from almost all of their self-titled full length record and 'Sun Giant' E.P., the band seemed to settle in more once they realized the crowd was completely captivated, joking about the Pitchfork Festival, which they played the day before. Drummer Nicholas Peterson asked the crowd how many people were at that show, and when only a few people cheered, lead singer Robin Pecknold had to remind him that Chicago was over 7 hours away, after all.

Going into the show, I was anticipating their hushed harmonies and the sparse instrumentation of their songs, but was rather surprised at the more rocking numbers, specifically the wonderful, cacophonous build-up in 'Drops In The River,' whose rousing chorus hearkens back to the good side of 70's stadium rock radio, a boisterous 'English House,'  and a really amped up 'Ragged Wood,' which turned into a spirited sing-along that had everyone around me bouncing on their toes and smiling from ear to ear.

The comedy act continued as the set progressed, with Robin joking about how guitar player Skye Skjelset never gets recognized as being in the band. How he can be working the merch stand, and fans will ask him if the band is going to come out, and he just has to say, 'Hello! Here I am.' But they determined that he doesn't get recognized simply because he's the only guy in the band who looks like he's had a shower in the last couple days. Hilarious.

 But we were all there for the music, not the comedy, and the band really delivered. The stunning 'Sun It Rises,' led the way early in the set, as did current single 'White Winter Hymnal,' as well as a phenomenal version of 'Mykonos,' that might have been my favorite song of the night, if it weren't for Robin's solo performances. The band left the stage after 5 or 6 songs, leaving Robin alone with just his acoustic guitar, and he treated us to a stirring rendition of 'Oliver James,' that was worth the price of admission alone. My memory is a little hazy on the other solo song he played-it was either a cover, or 'Innocent Son,' not sure which, but it was incredible.The band returned for a few more songs, most notably a vibrant version of 'Blue Ridge Mountains,' and a staggeringly beautiful 'Your Protector,' that closed out the main set on a total high note.

There are a lot of influences present in the music of Fleet Foxes, but their songs are so unique and timeless that there really isn't another band like them in music today. Sadly, opener, and fellow Seattle band, The Duchess And The Duke, tried to be, but their harmonies were flat by comparison, and their songs just too similar and unchanging to grasp my attention fully. They were pleasant enough, but nothing so special to justify the hype I've heard from a few of my friends.

 Besides, I was there to be transfixed by Fleet Foxes, and indeed I was. Their hypnotic harmonies can silence a room, and their songs can transport you to a better place simply by listening. Their main set was so enthralling, I didn't need an encore (especially since they didn't get on until after 11, and I had to get up this morning at 6), but I was pleased to see Robin stroll back out, solo, and he closed things out with an acoustic rendering of 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song,' that left all in attendance exalted.

Fleet Foxes are a rare and special band that have such a unique and galvanizing sound, truly unlike anything in modern music. The 200+ people that were packed into the Entry last evening were treated to a theatre of sound and harmony that was certainly a throwback to a simpler time, but also a sign of things to come. For with the success and buzz surrounding any trailblazing band, copycats will soon follow (and, as is the case with The Duchess & The Duke, already has), but there can only be one original, and Fleet Foxes are it. This was an incredible show that left me spent and stunned. Now I only have one day to rest up and get ready for the spectacle that is The Hold Steady at the Ave on Tuesday. I'm gladly up for the challenge.

Oh, on a side note, The Dark Knight amazingly lived up to all the hype, and is probably the best action/adventure film I've ever seen. Everything a Summer blockbuster should be and more. Well done, Chris Nolan. Well done.