Grizzly Bear – Shields

Not exactly ferocious and definitely not timid.

Grizzly Bear are unusual.

They may be from New York where most American musicians seem to hail from, they may be classed as indie rock which categorises half the new music that comes out at the moment. But there's something about them, something that separates them from the crowd, and that is, that they've been around for a while. Yes, not exactly the shocking twist you wanted but it separates them from all the other 'new' bands at the moment, they've got experience.

This is their fourth album, Shields. They formed in 2004, in the music industry that's a long time. So how come you've only heard of them now? Well this is the first album that's received any proper attention from us Brits. So what do we think? Well it's interesting.

Grizzly Bear first received attention after touring with Radiohead following the release of their second album in 2006, 'Yellow House', in which Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood stated they were his favourite band. A lot of pressure then, if a member of one of the biggest bands of the last twenty years gives the seal of approval.

So how does the album fare?

'Sleeping Ute' the opening track is a proper rock song, lulling you into a sense that you've been here before and is very reminiscent of The Black Keys in places, it's a great track there's no denying it, but then all of a sudden it changes, at about three minutes in, it quietens down and ends in a almost therapeutic way, with string instruments and soothing vocals by lead singer Daniel Rossen.

This is how the album transcends, into a less rock heavy and a more ambient vibe, with more musical instruments displayed throughout the album such as in track 'A Simple Answer'  where we hear the use of piano and synthesisers among others , helping create more depth in the sound. This is where that experience I mentioned comes in they've been playing together so they've worked out the kinks of what's gone wrong before and boy, has it worked.

This is one of the best albums I've heard this year, carefully constructed and thought through, its only after the third or fourth listen that you appreciate how good the album is. To sum up this album, it's a grower, not something you can just listen to and like straight away, it takes perseverance, but if you're willing to persevere, you'll be in for a treat.

Album Rating 7/10

Favourite Tracks : Sleeping Ute, Speak In Rounds, A Simple Answer