Fleet Foxes
Biography
Fleet Foxes is an American indie folk band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 2006. The principal members are Robin Pecknold (vocals, guitar), Skyler Skjelset (guitar, mandolin), Casey Wescott (keyboards, mandolin), Christian Wargo (bass, guitar), and Morgan Henderson (multi-instrumentalist). Pecknold and Skjelset are the founding members and have been the only constants throughout the band's history, with Pecknold serving as the primary songwriter.
Formation and Early Years
Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset became friends in high school, bonding over a shared appreciation for artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. They began making music together and initially called themselves "The Pineapples" before settling on Fleet Foxes. The band gained local attention in Seattle and, with the help of producer Phil Ek, recorded their first demo, the self-released "Fleet Foxes" EP, in 2006. By late 2007, their music had generated significant online buzz.
Debut Album and Rise to Prominence
In 2008, Fleet Foxes released their second EP, "Sun Giant," followed by their full-length debut album, "Fleet Foxes," on Sub Pop Records. Both records received widespread critical acclaim for their intricate vocal harmonies and sophisticated instrumentation. The debut album was a commercial success, particularly in Europe where it sold over 200,000 copies in its first five months. It was certified Gold in North America and Platinum in the UK and Australia.
Subsequent Albums and Hiatus
The band's second album, "Helplessness Blues," was released in 2011. It was also met with universal acclaim and became their highest-charting album in the U.S., reaching number 4 on the Billboard 200. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. Following the tour for "Helplessness Blues," the band went on a hiatus from 2013 to 2016.
Return and "Crack-Up"
Fleet Foxes returned in 2017 with their third album, "Crack-Up," released on Nonesuch Records. This album was noted for being more experimental and complex than their previous work. Inspired in part by an F. Scott Fitzgerald essay, the album featured shifting time signatures and a wide array of textures.
Recent Work
The band's fourth studio album, "Shore," was surprise-released on September 22, 2020. Primarily a solo effort from Pecknold, the album was written and recorded in late 2019 and through 2020. It received critical acclaim and was praised for its uplifting and celebratory feel in the face of struggle. In 2021, Fleet Foxes released a live album titled "A Very Lonely Solstice."