Synopsis

In a handmade clay world, a small group of bearded figures gathers around a strange mechanical wheel beneath a star-filled sky. As the wheel turns, the characters sway, sing, and move in time with the song, while the imagery shifts between communal ritual and dreamlike cosmic motion. The simple, tactile animation gives the video an ancient storybook quality, but its recurring gestures and slightly ominous atmosphere add a darker edge to Fleet Foxes' warm, harmony-driven folk song.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video uses stop-motion clay animation rather than digitally created characters. Sean Pecknold sculpted the figures and developed the visual concept after Robin Pecknold asked him to make a video for the song.

• The production was completed in roughly six weeks, with only about two weeks available for the actual animation. Pecknold worked with Chris Rodgers, Paul Maupoux, and Seattle animator Britta Johnson.

• The animation is intentionally limited and repetitive. Pecknold described the main movements as hands closing, eyes shutting, and Casey Wescott headbanging, emphasizing rhythm and musical texture over detailed character acting.

• The video premiered on Pitchfork.TV on July 7, 2008, shortly after Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut album established the band as one of indie folk's breakout acts.

• Its handmade, pre-industrial look became an important early example of the visual identity associated with Fleet Foxes. Pecknold later continued exploring stop-motion and miniature-built worlds in videos for the band.