Review Summary: Veckatimest works like a cash-back bonus, the more you give in to it, the grander the return.
Three years ago, Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear opened a window to their harmony-laced folk prowess with their sophomore release.
Yellow House combined a heart-warming, cozy album with an eerie undertone to form an immaculate record. Since then, there have been only a few hints as to the composition of
Veckatimest, other than the
Friend EP and their shining track on the
Dark Was The Night compilation. Let's just say that any expectations have been met.
Grizzly Bear cater to more than just the indie rock faithful; their sound is meant for admirers of music -- those who appreciate the ability to transform folk music into an elegantly bounded book. Take “Southern Point,” which opens
Veckatimest with the brilliance of Yellow House’s “On A Neck, On A Spit,” albeit a step craftier, bolder, and mesmerizing. Chugging like a steam engine, “Southern Point” whisks listeners with intricate guitar work and some of their heaviest segments to date. Grizzly Bear have always been noted for their lush harmonies and polarizing musical sections, and the folk-pop ballad “Two Weeks” delivers a perfect compliment to their style. Piano chords drive “Two Weeks” as the track effortlessly floats behind blissful hymns. Two tracks in and it’s clear that
Veckatimest is extraordinary.
While the album may occasionally appear to drag, it was never meant to be uptempo; rather, Grizzly Bear intended to maintain a steady, balanced pace. “Fine For Now” slowly builds with alternating breaks among harmonies and instruments until the finale encapulsates everything into a big bang. This moment is where Grizzly Bear seize their niche of being simple and complex in the same breath. Take any track from “Ready, Able” to “I Live With You” and you will be able to identify one specific, unique characteristic that makes
Veckatimest the noble gem that it is. ‘While you wait for the others/ to make it all worthwhile/ all your useless pretentions/ are weighing on my time’ begins “While You Wait For The Others,” in a rather inspiring cynical anthem of just not giving a f
uck anymore. The lyrics mirror the genius of “While You Wait For The Others” by not creating an overwrought message or theme that would otherwise hinder the message. Finally, there is “Foreground,” a track most likely sent from the heavens that plays off
Veckatimest as if it were a divine and soothing experience.
Veckatimest works like a cash-back bonus, the more
you give in to it, the grander the return. This album envelops Grizzly Bear’s focus and their specific ideation. Realize that
Veckatimest will not be a wild ride, but simply a remarkable listen that exceeds all expectations. More than just a personal hurdle, this album will surely rival the other top albums of 2009, which speaks volumes considering the other quality releases this year. Have patience with
Veckatimest, for there is time, so much time.
