Fleet Foxes Are (Finally!) Back with ‘Third of May / Ōdaigahara’ [Stream]

Damn, it’s good to hear Robin Pecknold’s voice. It’s been six years since we’ve had a Fleet Foxes album, and if this 8:45 opus is a preview of what’s to come, then it’s going to be epic. “Third of May/ Ōdaigahara” is an ambitious multi-part track in the vein of Hopelessness Blues standout “The Shrine / An Argument.” It begins with the Fleet Foxes we know and love—lush textures, beautiful harmonies, driving guitars and full percussion—and soon morphs into an orchestral exploration; guitars explode and then Pecknold’s familiar croon stretches along with mournful strings and crashing cymbols. The song finishes soft and full of introspection and uncertainty. Needless to say, their forthcoming record Crack-Up­ is going to be worth the wait.

Watch the lyric video for “Third of May/ Ōdaigahara” above.