Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

I finally finished listening to Grizzly Bear's new album Veckatimest. The album was released last week, but I like to give an album a few listens before I pass judgement on it. I have to say, after a few spins in my CD player, Veckatimest is Grizzly Bear's best work to date. The indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY has been making psychedelic experimental folk rock for a while now. They made their first debut with Horn of Plenty (2004), which was an admirable first effort from a growing group of musicians. However, in my opinion, Veckatimest is the album where Grizzly Bear have found their artistic peak.

There are a few songs that stand out to me from Veckatimest. When I first heard "Two Weeks" there was no doubt that it was an addictive layered track that swooned to the meanderings of the heart. I'm sure anyone who hasn't heard of Grizzly Bear or this album will eventually listen to this song at one point. "Cheerleader" and "While You Wait For the Others" are tracks that have a stand alone quality that make them easily re-playable and oddly satisfying.

Veckatimest is collage of sound that mixes the old with the new. Grizzly Bear blend their pop sensibilities with their experimental flairs. Mostly, every song on the album connects appropriately with the other; blending into a melodic sound scape. There are places where certain songs wander, but it doesn't sound as pretentious as many other indie musical explorations. As a whole, Veckatimest has its flaws; nevertheless, it reaches for a meticulous need for greatness that is commendable.

There are some that find Grizzly Bear's music too quietly reserved, but I think that in the right state of mind or after a few listens, Veckatimist is the kind of album that is hard not to get lost into.