Within an already indelible catalog of material, Shields further cements Grizzly Bear as a pioneering indie-pop band of today.Īll words by Maren McGlashan. That being said, it never feels tiresome, either. It has a pace that never meanders from its core sound. These elements give Shields a buoyant soundscape that carries each song to the next with a special kind of fluidity. The band’s evident self-awareness, mixed with a sense of careful precision, is echoed in each of the incredibly well-crafted tracks. The band employs traditional and electronic instruments. The band consists of Edward Droste (vocals, guitar, keyboards, omnichord), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass, backing vocals, woodwinds, producer), and Christopher Bear (drums, backing vocals). Grizzly Bear Shields (2012) LP (NEW) - Warp Records, US, 2012, WARPLP229, 2xLP, 180g Vinyl, First Issue, Gatefold Sleeve, Incl. As a whole, the disc is a combination of all of the above. Grizzly Bear is an American rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2002. However, it’s a perfect summation of the incredible nine songs that proceed it, reflected in an epic song structure that features ups-and-downs and various shades of expression.Ĭertain songs on Shields could be considered chamber pop, electronic, acoustic or indie rock. Clocking in at over seven minutes, it’s quite long. A few tracks later is “gun-shy,” a smooth track that explores the same theme shown in “Sleeping Ute.”īut it is the final song, “Sun In Your Eyes,” that ties everything together. “Yet Again” offers an upbeat tempo before the next track, “The Hunt,” brings it down again. The songs press on, offering additional muscle in the multidimensional song “Speak in Rounds” and the atmospheric instrumental track “Adelma.” The first track, “Sleeping Ute,” is visceral and fantastic in its telling of a complicated relationship.
Shields is largely introspective, insular and thoughtful – and it’s an immensely enjoyable album. Featured peformers: Christopher Bear (vocals, drums, percussion, drum machine, lap steel, Wurlitzer, synthesizer), Ed Droste (vocals), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, piano, synthesizer, cello. Rated 104 in the best albums of 2012, and 9792 of all-time album. Almost creating a protagonist out of lead vocal tracks, the shift makes the material feel highly personal. Released 18 September 2012 on Warp (catalog no.