8/10

Since their earliest beginnings, Fleet Foxes have set the benchmark for what would become the worldwide fascination with modern folk-pop scene. With their 2008 self-titled debut introducing their bright and wistful sound to the masses, their subsequent follow-ups 'Helplessness Blues' and 'Crack-Up' did little to quash their reputation as they now sit as one of the most loved and captivating names on the circuit to this day. So it is no wonder that surprise releasing their fourth full-length 'Shore' would be greeted with such applause as they return to continue their firm and soaring ways.

From the very start, it is clear that 'Shore' is just another exceptional addition to the band's ever-growing catalogue. With a strong and powerful production layered in-between frontman Robin Peckhold's engaging songwriting and vocal performance, their latest work not only continues the form of their earlier material, but seems to tighten it up as well. While their aesthetic seems unchanged, they have clearly gelled more as a group over time, allowing them to create these truly warming and atmospheric soundscapes that take their sound to a higher and more euphoric zenith throughout.

Fleet Foxes may have become the almost cliched go-to outfit when it comes to describing their scene as a whole, but with music as wonderful as this, it makes complete sense to set them as the standard. Four albums and twelve years into their career and things still haven't faltered for them. They are simply marvellous on this new collection.