The sophomore album from Seattle singer/songwriter
Christopher Mansfield, aka
Fences, 2014's
Lesser Oceans is a rootsy, melodic, and earnest album that straddles the line between moody indie rock, hip-hop, and folk. The album follows
Fences' 2010 self-titled debut and, as with that album, showcases
Mansfield's talent for crafting intimate, poignant songs that still have infectious pop hooks. Along with musical backing from longtime
Fences member guitarist/keyboardist
Benjamin Greenspan,
Lesser Oceans features production from a handful of collaborators including
Jacquire King (
Kings of Leon,
Of Monsters and Men) and
Chris Walla (
the Decemberists,
Death Cab for Cutie). Included on
Lesser Oceans are the singles "Dusty Beds," "The Lake," "Songs About Angels," and "Arrows," featuring guest appearances from
Macklemore and
Ryan Lewis.