Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Warp, 2009
5 stars
I know, it’s only May, and I’m breaking all sorts of unwritten “album reviewer” rules by doing this, but I’m going to say it: Veckatimest is the album of 2009. Grizzly Bear have hinted at big things for a few years now (2006’s Yellow House was good but not great), but Veckatimest exceeds all expectations, with the band pushing their sound beyond experimental rock deep into something pastoral, sophisticated and lush to which a genre such as “rock” or “indie” just doesn’t do justice. The most obvious reference for the uninitiated is Fleet Foxes’ brilliant self-titled debut of last year – take that album, but shake it up and make it that little bit deeper and you’re about as close as you’ll get to Veckatimest. It’s beautiful but challenging, with intricate details rewarding repeat listens over and over. Rich and thoroughly musical, with a big avant-folk heart, there’s little point singling out individual songs for praise as they’re all equally deserving, and play so perfectly as a whole. The sun-drenched, poppy numbers stand out immediately (Ready, Able’s slow-building, churning bassline and eventual shimmering release is something to behold, and Cheerleader’s stuttered guitar and steady plonk is impossible to resist), but the more subtle, restrained ones, such as album closer Foreground, are just as striking. The four boys’ vocal harmonies are at times reminiscent of ’70s AM rock, but even that pidgeonhole doesn’t fit. Unlike the uninhabited Massachusetts island for which it’s named, Veckatimest is going to require more than a bridge to get on top of in 2009.
Artwork: B
The kaleidascopic mosaic featured on the album's cover is the perfect representation of the band's bright, colourful but organic and hand-fashioned sound. The text is a bit clumsy though.
Published in mX, Thursday May 21, 2009.
