Vacilando Territory Blues

iTunes Review

The drummer for Seattle’s Fleet Foxes is also a fairly prolific solo artist, with a handful of releases to his credit before joining the Foxes in 2008. Tillman’s warm, husky voice and less-is-more approach is not only a great fit for that band, but he makes wonderfully austere, stripped-down solo records, often with not much more than a guitar and the occasional glinting piano or reassuring handclaps. He understands minimalism, in the same way Will Oldham or Mark Kozelek do; less is more wins out, more often than not. (He cites the late Nick Drake as an influence, and it’s hard to get more minimalist than that.) The tunes here are glorious, from the stark and moving opening track, “All You See,” to the shimmering, Foxes-like “First Born” and the surprise cut, a rousing, foot-stomping “New Imperial Grand Blues.” You can hear Nick Drake’s influence in the strings and vibes on “No Occasion,” while “Barter Blues” stirs up an intriguing flavor combination with banjo and willowy strings. Vacilando Territory Blues offers plenty of the quiet, brooding music for which Tillman is known, partnered here with some extremely satisfying musical textures and diversity.