The Art of Nonchalant Cool
Fences is a standout track from Phoenix's Grammy-winning album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Vocalist Thomas Mars delivers a masterclass in indie-pop styling, balancing a relaxed, almost spoken-word delivery in the verses with melodic, high-energy choruses. The key to nailing this song isn't power—it's precision and tone.
Unlike power ballads, this track demands a bright, forward vocal placement and impeccable timing to lock in with the synth-heavy groove. It sits comfortably in a Baritone to Tenor range but requires a developed mix voice to hit the higher notes without straining.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Rhythm
The most common mistake on Fences is dragging the tempo. Thomas Mars sings slightly ahead of the beat in the verses to create urgency. Focus on crisp consonant articulation to keep the rhythm driving forward.
Phase 1: The Verses
The song opens with a staccato vocal delivery. The lines "Fences, rows of fences" should be sung with short, detached notes. Keep your volume moderate; you don't want to overpower the intricate instrumentation. Aim for a conversational tone, as if you are telling a secret.
The Trap: Many singers get too breathy here. While the vibe is relaxed, your vocal cords should remain adducted (closed) to maintain a clear, present tone that cuts through the mix.
Phase 2: The Chorus
The energy lifts as the melody becomes more fluid. "If there's something to be said..." requires a shift to legato phrasing (smooth, connected notes). You'll need to access your head-dominant mix here to reach the higher notes cleanly.
- Tone Color: Aim for a "bright" sound. Smile slightly while singing to raise your soft palate and brighten the resonance.
- Dynamics: Don't shout. The intensity comes from the pitch and focus, not sheer volume.
- Breath: The phrases are relatively long. Ensure you take a full, low breath before the chorus hits to sustain the melody.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
The song maintains its grooving momentum through the bridge. The repetitive nature of the outro allows you to experiment with slight ad-libs, but stay within the C Major scale. Keep the energy high right until the fade-out.
To capture the Phoenix sound, minimize your vibrato. Thomas Mars uses a very straight tone, only allowing a slight shimmer at the very end of long notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The melody generally peaks around an A4 in the vocal mix. It requires good breath support to hit consistently without flipping into falsetto.
It is moderately difficult. While the range isn't extreme, the rhythmic precision and specific stylistic attitude make it harder than it sounds to get "right."
Focus on a nasal-forward resonance (think of singing into your "mask") and keep your pronunciation very clear and slightly staccato.
