Fleet Foxes soon-to-be Bay Area residents?
April 17, 2009
Photos by: Charlie Homo
Tuesday night at the Fillmore, Fleet Foxes leadman Robin Pecknold constantly insinuated the band’s interest in moving to what he called “the place he thinks of when it comes to a West Coast sound,” yes, our own beloved city.
The first of three shows they’re playing in the Bay (including this past Wednesday night with Vetiver at the Palace of Fine Arts and next Tuesday at Oakland’s Fox Theatre again with Blitzen Trapper), Fleet Foxes were warmly received. And actually, the Foxes played astoundingly great if not better than their highly acclaimed previous performance in these parts (Treasure Island 2008).
Despite a casual stage presence, constantly tuning and chit-chatting with audience members, the set was practically seamless with transitions from song to song. Opening with an introduction is a timeless and classy move — and last evening they did a beautiful rendition of “Sun Giant” to lead into “Sun It Will Rise.” The venue was silenced by the band’s nearly acapella moments, which stagger above their momentarily hushed instruments — so quiet in the place that Robin’s single fist knocking on wood was clearly audible, keeping time.
New songs Robin’s been “dicking around with” were impressive and textured, stepping up and down the ladder of his vocal ability. At a point in the set he was left onstage to perform a Duncan Brown song; next he abandoned amplification, stood off the very edge and belted out “Katie Cruel.” The night ended with a jokingly “alienating new song,” then “Blue Ridge Mountains,” joined by Blitzen Trapper helping out on percussion.
Maybe it’s the menu at Herbivore that sold the band on San Francisco, or that they’ve got buddies here already: The Dodos, who Robin mentioned is currently recording in Seattle. Regardless, who wouldn’t love another solid addition to our local arts community, albeit some woodsy, harmonious fellows? Fingers are crossed, Fleet Foxes.
Well, I asked Robyn from the audience (booze) last night and he’s not moving to Santa Cruz.. but I ended up speaking with Josh (drums,vocals) about them moving to SF and he assumed I had him confused with Robyn (main vocals). So for now it seems that just Robyn is a possibility in SF. BONUS: if you follow lead guitarists Skye’s twitter, you might pick up on some genuine affection for good ol’ Baghdad by the Bay. So cross your fingers real good and maybe we’ll see more of the Foxes in the near future.
John the intern
Man, Charlie’s going to make it difficult for all your other photogs. He’s upping the standard by leaps and bounds.
Ditto what Adrian said. CH is bringing the hott shotts…
Hey Guys, you are too much, thanks! Happy to be part of the TBB team! btw, I’ll be at the Fox show on Tuesday (sin cameras) so email me if you want to hook up at the bar…
Charlie’s images are gorgeous! I’m really looking forward to seeing more.
Charlie is the #1 reason I hate shooting live now.
He makes us look like crud.