Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest

Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest
Warp Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: In a league of its own!

Album Review:
This is a record that I could easily run out of positive adjectives to describe and will could consistenly go crazy over for awhile because Grizzly Bear's new release Veckatimest is a complete enjoyable listen from Track 1 to Track 12. It is a sonic experience that sounds superb through headphones or over the car speakers as each song on Veckatimest builds, weaves and harmonizes. Grizzly Bear is not a group that overtakes you with power but with the artistry of finesse. They blend harmonies, folk and intricately use instruments with such an ease that each grandiose track comes off cleanly and transitions into the next without a hiccup. Each track feels like an event in itself, like the building orchestra in "I Live With You" or the jazzy swagger and harmonies in "Two Weeks" that instantly elicits humming along. The key to remember about Veckatimest is that it will not take you over immediately and may seem at times to lag but Grizzly Bear is not here to run a mile but to win the marathon. That is the beauty of Veckatimest because it really is a record that is meant for multiple listens, has hidden singles and surprises you around every perfected melody. This is easily an album that will be in our Top 5 if not the number 1 spot for 2009. I know it is a bold statement given that it is only May but Veckatimest is that good - believe the hype!

Key Tracks: "Two Weeks", "Ready, Able", "While You Wait For The Others"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Radiohead
Animal Collective
TV On The Radio

Official Grizzly Bear Website
Grizzly Bear MySpace
Grizzly Bear Info [Allmusic]
Warp Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox