Fleet Foxes at Webster Hall
Fleet Foxes, c/o Mark Iantosca
In the case of Fleet Foxes, it’s easy to distinguish the dominance of their lead singer Robin Pecknold, and he possessed a profound ownership of Sunday's concert at Webster Hall.
The group’s signature is a modern take on a chamber choir blended with western/Native American influences, and it was implemented wonderfully by all five members. Nevertheless, Pecknold held the reins for the most moving portions of the night, as his vocals skyrocketed through “Your Protector” and “White Winter Hymnal.” Perhaps the most spellbinding moments were when the other band members took a respite, and left him to serenade solo and acoustic. It was then, as he performed “Oliver James,” and during the encore when he sang “Katie Cruel” without even using a microphone, that the audience was fully captivated and attentive.
That said, he wasn’t at all cocky, or undeserving of his role of hub to the rest of the band’s orbit. They’re a young band, and Pecknold a young singer – just fresh off the release of their self-titled album, and he freshly able to drink alcohol legally. This is what makes Fleet Foxes even more striking – their stage demeanor was so comfortable and gracious, you’d think they’ve been doing this for closer to a decade.
Amid songs, jokes were cracked – and I’m not talking your standard, awkward band banter – Pecknold and co. were hysterical. Discussing his first-ever foray to our fair Williamsburg (“it’s… an interesting place…..”) and talking about their erroneous preconceptions that Webster Hall might be a haughty place (but that in the end, “Webster Hall just sounds like a show on the CW.”) the band had the audience infatuated. And with good reason - because it’s clear that Fleet Foxes are on the path to do great, great things.
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All photos c/o Mark Iantosca
