Fleet Foxes at the Observatory North Park shot by Danielle Gornbein

The Observatory down in North Park, San Diego packed its house Thursday evening for a night to remember. Opening the show was Natalie Prass. The poised and commanding singer shined. With her almost breathless yet crooning vocal stylings, Prass shows she is one to watch. Her music is very distinct in resembling the slow-burning soul music of Dolly Parton and even our favorite Jenny Lewis (who she actually sang back up for). Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Prass today resides in Nashville where she still celebrates her well-talked over self-titled debut record.

Without further ado, Fleet Foxes were up. Well into their current world tour supporting their third record debut Crack-Up, they brought quite the show. What can even be said about Fleet Foxes? The folk-indie band from Seattle has only ever provided listeners with the most pleasant of music. This show was no different. The San Diego crowd couldn’t have been any more stoked to catch these guys in their town after an almost six year absence between their latest record and the previous. Crack-Up is a perfect representation of the talent amongst the band’s musicians. From whistling keyboards to acoustic guitars to shimmery tambourines (two of them!) you get the biggest sound possible. Of course you can’t forget the hauntingly smooth vocals of frontman, Robin Pecknold. In the new record in particular, there are so many silences where Pecknold’s voice suddenly reappears and chills you down to the bone. With a dimly lit production throughout the entire set, fans were almost transported into this medieval atmosphere where the music was the only living thing.

We can only grow to expect more and more from Fleet Foxes, and while time moves on we’ll remember this intimate show.

Words & Photography: Danielle Gornbein