Fences - Lesser Oceans

Fences
Lesser Oceans
2015

I came across Fences through a podcast that I frequent WTF with Marc Maron. Christopher Mansfield is a pretty interesting guy who has lead a different life from most. But this blog is about his music and Lesser Oceans is really good. Where a lot of Indie bands avoid heartfelt songwriting that really connects Fences open up their soul and spill it out directly into your ears. His voice is never muffled or overtaken by the music instead its crystal clear what he wants to say and how he wants to say. "Arrows" the single off the album outlines his struggle growing up with his father, finding acceptance and living a good life. Mansfield is reminiscent stylistically of Bright Eyes but has a tone and ability all his own.

Lesser Oceans is a really good record especially when you find out its a sophomore release. The music has a clear direction, great execution and is an all around great album. There will be some getting over the "Hipsterness" of these tracks but it is so subtle especially when taken with the stellar song writing. Get into some Lesser Oceans, and remember "nothing ever happened on dusty beds".

8.8 out of 10