Grizzly Bear - "Veckatimest" (Warp)
Or, read the review.
One of the year's most anticipated releases, Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest, witnesses a relatively young band take to the studio with a veteran-like attitude. The feverish pitch of anticipation from bloggers and faithful fans alike is answered in an album that is meticulous in its production and lavish in its overall sound.
Named after an island near Cape Cod, Veckatimest is the band's third studio album. And while there are no lyrical references to the title, the band seems determined in creating a defined atmosphere. The album opens with "Southern Point", a song of dramatic twists and turns that is as equally haunting as it is seductive.
"Two Weeks" is a song that the band debuted last year while on tour, and has aged well in the studio. The song is landscaped with colorful, multi-part harmonies and emits an easy, summertime vibe.
Much of Veckatimest, presumably, revolves around relationships. But Grizzly Bear doesn't write failed love songs like most young bands. And thankfully do not write with such an abstract approach that the meanings become lost on the audience. Instead, the band relies on succinct lyrical passages that are neither too direct nor too precious. As a result, songs like "While We Wait For The Others" exceed expectations.
And speaking of expectations, the climate of indie music has shown a consistency to over-hype, or over-anticipate releases. Sometimes this will leave a band little room to impress upon the 'official' release. Don't expect this to be the case this spring, because Veckatimest from Grizzly Bear is worth the wait.
Written by Mike Vasilikos, WXPN's Assistant Music Director and New Music Show Host.
Click here to see the complete list of WXPN Featured Albums.
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