CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Grizzly Bear
Album: Veckatimest (2009 Warp)
Tracks: 12
Artist website: http://www.grizzly-bear.net/
OVERVIEW
Veckatimest is the third album for the Brooklyn based indie rock band Grizzly Bear. However, it is the first exposure to this band for me.
Personally, I don’t hear anything particularly genius in this material. It wouldn’t be my “go to” album for artistic nourishment. As in the case of most indie rock, I find it to be overly dumbed down for the sake of “feeling it” or being more “emotional”. These are poor excuses for musicians who don’t want to be technically proficient at what they do. Repetitive and sloppy are words that come to mind.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Southern Point, While You Wait for the Others
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Southern Point
This track has a jazzy vibe to it. It is very interesting. Really nice acoustic guitar work.
Track 2 – Two Weeks
This is the kind of track I was expecting to hear due to the “indie rock” classification of the band. This one is really repetitive.
Track 3 – All We Ask
Cute track.
Track 4 – Fine for Now
There were people back in the 60’s who made music like this who made it sound better and honest despite the limited technology they had back then. This does not sound honest. It is trying to be retro.
Track 5 – Cheerleader
Pseudo psychedelic rock in sound. See comments to track 4.
Track 6 – Dory
Meh.
Track 7 – Ready, Able
Meh.
Track 8 – About Face
More meh …
Track 9 – Hold Still
Is this supposed to be a lullaby?
Track 10 – While You Wait for the Others
Interesting track. Kinda Beatlesque in places.
Track 11 – I Live with You
Meh.
Track 12 – Foreground
I think this track being used in a movie.