Album of the Week: Grizzly Bear
Painted Ruins Out Now via RCA
Aug 18, 2017 Grizzly Bear
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The kaleidoscopic sound the four members of Grizzly Bear create is a juxtaposition unto itself. It is Earth shatteringly loud yet serene and tranquil. It speaks on the larger human psyche while observing the minutia of everyday life. The band has created an acclaimed career out of shattering all expectations of what indie rock should sound like, and on their latest record Painted Ruins, they continue to push those boundaries with astounding results.
The baroque sounds Ed Droste, Daniel Rossen, Chris Taylor, and Christopher Bear have made their trademark for the better part of a decade continue to carry them to new and exciting heights. Opening track “Wasted Acres” begins with an ambient synth line, but quickly transforms into a sexy romp where the rhythm section of Taylor and Bear shines. “Glass Hillside” sees a quint acoustic guitar leading a ghostly chorus on a synth filled daydream. What is so striking about Painted Ruins isn’t so much the decadent heights the band can take their music, but the wizard-like control they have over their craft. Credit bassist and producer Chris Taylor for honing the elegant and often outrageous ideas and sounds.
The often close-knit group has found themselves scattered across the country, each growing and changing along with their music. Painted Ruins is the work of a band hitting their stride, continuing on the remarkable path of a band both comfortable with themselves yet always pushing beyond expectations.
Pick up Under the Radar‘s current print issue (Summer 2017/Issue 61) to read our new in-depth cover story interview with Grizzly Bear on Painted Ruins.
Read our review of Painted Ruins.
Support Under the Radar on Patreon.
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