Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

UK Release: 03/05/11 - Bella Union

Going platinum in the UK has been a real challenge for artists not sucked in by the Cowell machine, but little-known Seattle folk outfit Fleet Foxes managed it no problem with their outstanding self-titled debut. Following such a success is always going to take time and inspiration which isn't always easy to come by, which is why we are so grateful they didn't rush and delayed their release until the spring of 2011. Helplessness Blues has proven that Fleet are no one-trick-ponies as their momentous reviews of their debut spurred them on to produce a follow-up worthy of savouring for years to come.

With an intention to make the record "less poppy" (Pitchfork), frontman Robin Pecknold warned it may bore people. He never needed to doubt himself; although slightly less upbeat, we were gifted with the genius of the 8-minute 'The Shrine / An Argument' and album closer 'Grown Ocean'. Fleet Foxes express more than just their beautiful vocal harmonies and drowsy, optimistic guitars; Pecknold's unique ways of composition to control our emotions are put to perfection in the former of these tracks.

Courtesy of scannerfm_flickr, Fleet Foxes lead, Robin Pecknold

Troubles in the build-up of an album always occur and the stress was too much for Pecknold's girlfriend of five years. He became obsessed. However, upon hearing the final outcome she understood it was all worth it and gave them another chance (Contact Music). I agree; it seems ridiculous to let talent like his leave your life after he delivers such magnificent results!

Although still waiting to see the band in action, I had the pleasure of a solo set by Pecknold supporting the glorious Joanna Newsom at Portland's Aladdin Theatre. We were treated to Helplessness Blues tasters 'Tripolee' (which later become 'The Shrine / An Argument'), and 'Blue Spotted Tail' amongst others as a fitting preview. Fairly unaware of his talents at the time, I was sure to keep his work on my radar.

Fleet have inspired with their elegant and educated stunning second album, and it will only become more challenging as the expectations rise again.

Rating: 8/10

Visit Fleet Foxes' official site here.

Please use the music player at the top of the screen for more Fleet Foxes tracks!

Below is the intriguing animated music video made by Sean Pecknold (Robin Pecknold's brother) for the song 'The Shrine / An Argument':

Cults - Cults

Cults - Abducted by cultscultscults
 

UK Release: 07/06/11 - Columbia Records / In The Name Of

Courtesy of Man Alive!, Cults

Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion form the intriguing indie pop duo Cults. The couple dropped out of New York School in 2010 to create their unique but ever familiar sound of 1960s girl group with a 21st century chilling buzz.

The Manhattan band released their debut album last summer to much acclaim after a few unreleased songs posted online for friends caught the ears of others. They weren't oblivious to the music scene, however, as Brian had previously tour-managed Madeline's brother's band Willowz, and she herself had received a recording contract at the tender age of nine thanks to links through her art dealer mother and local musician step-dad.

Information on Cults was hard to come by as they did very little to promote themselves, doing well to stay out of the public eye. Nevertheless, tracks like 'Go Outside' propelled their popularity to stretch across the waters. The teenage naiveties of their lyrics complement the simple yet intricately thought and adult compositions. However, they will know there is only so much they can do with their style so it will be interesting to see how they can make themselves truly blossom.

Rating: 7/10

Find out more here at their official website!

Please use the music player at the top of the screen for more Cults tracks!

Below is the powerfully historical referencing music video for 'Go Outside' by Cults: 

Youth Lagoon - The Year of Hibernation

Cannons by Youth Lagoon

UK release: 24/10/11 - Lefse Records

Courtesy of mikekatzif, Youth Lagoon

The rightfully optimistic debut album released by 22-year-old Trevor Powers last autumn will send a warm, comforting chill all over your body. It may take a while for its genius to sink in but when it does it truly is worth the wait. The combination of the 80s synths, the strong (often natural) reverb on the vocals and the powerfully uplifting and saddening crescendos create a beautiful world in which you become automatically drawn. 

The Boise State University drop-out risked it all and underwent a US tour covering 29 dates across the country. He's signed a two-year-deal with American independent company Fat Possum Records and I can guarantee his fun won't end there. Trying to put a longtime struggle with anxiety behind him, Powers has managed to undertake a huge step in his life to re-define this sub-genre of indie pop.

Rating: 7/10

Check out his blog here!

Please use the music player at the top of the screen for more Youth Lagoon tracks!

Below is an awe-inspiring music video for 'Montana' by Youth Lagoon, directed by Tyler T Williams: