Review: ‘Wide Eyed Elk Ensemble’ – Fences

Fences
Wide Eyed Elk Ensemble
ENCI Records
30/04/21

Christopher Mansfield AKA Fences is popular within the indie-folk world, releasing several successful albums since 2010. However, the Seattle native has just teamed up with GRAMMY award-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings for his latest single ‘Globe’ which boasts a more acoustic feel to it as the pair’s vocals blend well together over the sound of the soft folk guitars. Written by Mansfield and Strings and co-produced by the pair, the detailed lyrics transport you to the world they perfectly describe.
This latest single follows the release of his EP ‘Wide Eyed Elk Ensemble’. The five track record opens with the soothing sound of ‘Boot Height’, one of the singles from the EP. It features an interesting production, the effected banjo and reverb on the backing vocals are a particular highlight on the percussion based track. Meanwhile, the beautiful guitar tones in ‘Shape Shifter’ really bring the song to life whilst Mansfield delivers a wonderful vocal performance, that adds strength and depth to the weight of the lyrics. The record is punctuated with the slightly darker ‘My Pale King’ and concludes with ‘Fake Snow’, a gentle laid back track which features some lush, prominent female backing vocals which echo the lead vocals.
The five track EP, that many would concur is over too quickly, takes you on a journey – Fences songwriting is simple yet personable and relatable whilst his melodies are calming and have a familiarity about them.