Far more than that band with a penchant for angelic harmonies and plaid, Grizzly Bear have come a long way since 2006’s critically acclaimed “Yellow House” – their sophomore studio album and breakthrough release.
In between albums the Brooklyn four-piece have supported Radiohead, played live television spots for Jools, Conan and Letterman and were even referenced on Gilmore Girls (I’m not sure which of the aforementioned endorsements scream “breakthrough” more, Rory Gilmore or Thom Yorke).
On “Veckatimest” their third studio LP and most confident output to date, the Brooklyn four-piece infuse traditional American pop touchstones (folk, The Beach Boys) with reverb laden whimsy and stripped back pastoral magic. For the uninitiated, “Cheerleader” is a good place to start, it’s meditative, luscious, deceptively infectious and offers an accessible introduction to Grizzly Bear’s ethereally layered sonic palette. It could soundtrack a romantic slow dance with your future wife or the precarious descent of a k-hole with equal aplomb. Now how many tracks can you say that about?
Download Grizzly Bear – “Cheerleader” here!
Brizzly Bear’s “Veckatimest” is out May 26 on Warp/Inertia.
