After the stunning success of Fleet Foxes’ debut self-titled LP in 2008, it became apparent that there would inevitably be artists that steal away portions of their so very classic sound. To be honest, I haven’t really seen them. That is, until Yukon Blonde. Now, don’t immediately label these folks as mere spinoffs. “Wind Blows” does have those echoing harmony vocals with that drawl-ish tone, but there’s more of a singular vocal presence around the front-man; you can hear it in the verse.

Rather than tried and true folk-rock, “Wind Blows” has a substantial portion of pop which FF tends to lack. I love the melody and that electric guitar mixed down to dominate the background. And the percussion is heavy and dominant. There’s a lot here that makes this band unique; its influences may stem back to 60s folk-pop and folk-rock, but that only means there’s more to look forward to.

“Wind Blows” is off Yukon Blonde’s self-titled LP, out this week on Nevado Records.

Yukon Blonde: Wind Blows [mp3]

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