Grizzly Bear
Shields
BY EMRE BERBEROĞLU (IR/III)
Release Date: September 17, 2012
Label: Warp
Producers: Michael Brauer
It's nearly impossible to believe that Brooklyn-based indie rockers Grizzly Bear released their first album, "Horn of Plenty," in 2004. After eight years and three albums, the band has become an important name in indie rock and indie folk. The Brooklynites released their fourth album, "Shields," on September 17. The band consists of Edward Droste (vocals and keyboard), Daniel Rossen (guitar), Christopher Bear (drums) and Chris Taylor (bass).
Grizzly Bear opens their new album with a surprising song, "Sleeping Ute." It's surprising because it gives you the feeling that they're getting out of their comfort zone by using psychedelic synths and dark guitar riffs. This gives the impression that the whole album will contain these same elements, which we didn't come across in their old albums.
"Speak in Rounds" and the outro to the "Speak in Rounds," "Adelma," successfully keep your attention, making me wonder if Grizzly Bear has reached a level of maturity enabling them to become a consistent rock band.
Then, they present the record's first single, "Yet Again." This song does remind me of "Two Weeks," their most popular song from the album "Veckatimest." This is because of the catchy lyrics and pop-like melodies. But there's no doubt about it: this song is a game changer, and its ending definitely projects a new side of Grizzly Bear.
However, after "Yet Again," things go downhill. The sense of hearing a new Grizzly Bear album disappears. You suddenly find yourself listening to a badly organized, incomplete pop song, "A Simple Answer." It contains simple piano chords, psychedelic guitar riffs and clean vocals from Ed Droste, but they just don't work together. The band seems to have tried to put together little pieces from everything and as a result ended up with a mess.
"What's Wrong" and "Gun-Shy" are the saviors of the second part of the album. "What's Wrong" has this amazing jam session, which forces you to contemplate deep thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, "Gun-Shy" lifts you up with its the dreamy chords and clear bass lines.
The quartet concludes their fourth album with an average song, "Sun In Your Eyes." Like the rest of the album, it seems to be not quite complete, but it still has a charm that keeps you listening.
The Bottom Line: An amazing start to a new album, but what a shame at the conclusion. "Shields" contains some good songs, but others have deficiencies in one way or another.
Notable Tracks: "Sleeping Ute"; "Yet Again"; "What's Wrong"; "Gun-Shy"
Band's Website:http://grizzly-bear.net/
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