Mission Bell

Released in 2018, Mission Bell serves as a stark, chronological document of the end of William Fitzsimmons' second marriage. Recorded in his home studio and later refined with producer Adam Landry, the album leans heavily into the 'therapist-folk' style Fitzsimmons is known for, but with a sharper, more painful edge. The record features collaborations with artists like Abby Gundersen and Rosie Thomas, yet it remains a singular, isolated experience. Sonically, it marks a return to the more stripped-back, acoustic-focused sound of his early work after the slightly more electronic-leaning Lions, though it retains a sophisticated sense of space and texture. Critics noted the album's unflinching honesty regarding infidelity, addiction, and the mundane tragedies of domestic life. It stands as one of the most emotionally taxing yet rewarding entries in his discography, bridging the gap between indie-folk and slowcore through its glacial pacing and hushed dynamics.