White Winter Hymnal starts so unassuming and innocent. Fleet Foxes's signature harmonies pick up, making way for the percussions that are almost overwhelming--but of course in a good way.
Apparently, the track is intended to be "lyrically fairly meaningless." Even so, it paints a distinctly belligerent and disturbing image that is both confusing and humorous at the same time. Every time I listen to this track, a peculiar image is painted in my mind of a group of young boys, in a single line, stomping their way awkwardly through a pine-needle-covered forest, obviously with red scarves tied around their necks. It is an oddly lucid image which surprises even me every time. It also goes to show the power that music, even when coupled with supposedly meaningless lyrics, can have in conjuring certain imagery in the listener's mind.
That said, White Water Hymnal is an exciting track in all respects. It is short, leaving you wanting more. It is one of those songs you listen to on repeat because there just isn't enough of it. Composed beautifully, it is a perfect beginning to what is a promising debut album.
If you are venturing into the deep unknowns of a forest this week, its time to put on some Fleet Foxes.
You can learn more about Fleet Foxes here:
About the curator - Aarushi Aggarwal
Aarushi is a senior at college and is majoring in history and international relations. Her music library is as much home to jazz as it is to Indian classical. Her passion for discovering new music far supersedes other equally important things like finishing assignments on time. She loves dogs, coffee and chocolate.
