On September 30 and October 1, 2011 Washington musical act, Fleet Foxes, played two sold out shows at the Chicago Theatre to more than 3,500 people. Opening act for the tour, The Walkmen, played a slower set than what they usually perform. I suppose this was to accommodate for the Foxes more reserved folk sound but I would’ve loved to hear their more energetic songs like The Rat. Behind The Walkmen was a still image of ballerinas in pink tutus being projected. It added some sort of excitement but could have had added more had it been a video projection. They played their last song as the crowd took a bathroom and drink break before Fleet Foxes.
The lights dimmed and Fleet Foxes, who are known for their beautiful vocal harmonies, took the stage to perform part of The Plains/Bitter Dancer. This track is almost entirely vocal work and was a great opening song for what was to come later in the night. Robin Pecknold, lead singer and songwriter, stood behind his acoustic guitar for most of the show while his band mate, Morgan Henderson, moved from flute, up-right bass, acoustic and electric guitar to even percussion instruments such as shakers and tambourines. Fleet Foxes did a great job of crafting a set list that would please even their earliest fans by playing Mykonos, the only single off their first EP, Sun Giant. In between the already well-known sing-alongs that are reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash or Simon & Garfunkel were tracks off the group’s new album, Helplessness Blues. While the crowd varied in age and race it was clear they knew whom they were here to see. When White Winter Hymnal (perhaps their most popular song) started you could hear the entire crowd sing, “I was following the pack, all swallowed in their coats with scarves of red tied ‘round their throats to keep their little heads from falling in the snow.”
While the Chicago Theatre may not be the best spot for a Sub-Pop band to play at because of the seating and lack of GA floor space, Fleet Foxes made it work extremely well and kept the crowd entertained throughout their 15 song set which was then followed by a standing ovation and four song encore, including a brand new song that Robin played alone. The band had a video projecting behind them that lined up with the songs and faded into a starred sky in between the lavish landscapes they created.
I had only seen the band perform at Lollapalooza 2009, which created a much different atmosphere than the quiet, intimate Chicago Theatre. The dim lighting and rowed seating made helped me to relax and focus in on not only the sounds they made but also the passion that was put in. Pick up Fleet Foxes’ new album, Helplessness Blues, on vinyl, CD or digital download.
