Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear

If you need proof that the influence of indie-rock is growing at an alarming rate, one would only need to look at where Grizzly Bear's third album debuted on The Billboard 200. Although it took a tumble this week, Veckatimest debuted at No. 8, selling over 30,000 copies. That must say a lot about the Brooklyn-based quartet to have climbed to where so many of their contemporaries could not. After hours of musing, I think I might have figured out all the pieces that make this band so unique and interesting to hear. First, the acoustically driven band steers in and out of keys much like Crosby, Stills and Nash. Although the songs on Veckatimest keep their original tone, the key of the songs usually change, almost as if they have multiple bridges or are written in a classical mindset. Second, they are not afraid to be experimental like Radiohead. Grizzly Bear implements dissonance of neoclassical composition in their songs to walk a thin line between sounding aesthetic and nonsensical. In this way, they remind me of Radiohead, whom Grizzly Bear opened for on tour. Third, and most importantly, they hearken back to the harmonizing vocals of The Beach Boys. No one does this anymore, which puts Grizzly Bear in a place of their own. Perhaps this is why they were inspired to name this album after an uninhabited island off the coast of New England coast. Their music goes where no one has been before, at least in a while anyway.

The best track, bar none, is "Two Weeks." It is nothing short of stellar how the band uses their voices to propel the track to another level. One listen will leave a long lasting impression on you. It almost sounds like something lost tapes from Pet Sounds. Another track you should listen to "Ready, Able." It brings to mind a soundtrack from an early 60's movie as its chorus descends gracefully downward. Grizzly Bear seems to be reviving the baroque pop genre, something we haven't seen a lot of since the days of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's" era and, you guessed it, The Beach Boys.

Although it may not be right for everybody, I can't find anything mediocre on this album. Perhaps someone with more mainstream tastes would think is sounds too eclectic or too slow. But, one of Veckatimest's best features is that moves along slowly, giving the music time to breathe for the listener. If this was left unrecognized by the band, then the impact it would leave would be minimal at best. But the mesmerizing, languid effect of the music puts the listener in a peaceful, dreamy mood, making the band once again stand apart. This feeling should definitely place Grizzly Bear into growing circle of popular indie rock bands that have crossed over into the mainstream like Death Cub for Cutie, The Decemberists, and Vampire Weekend. I hope to hear more from them in the future.

4/5
For Your Consideration: "Two Weeks," "Ready, Able"