Liked Grizzly Bear back in the day but I haven't listened to them in years. An interesting band who did this kind of slightly unusual proggy indie-rock very well indeed. Sounds like something made in the early 70s in some ways. Have to dig this album our, along with the other I have (Veckatimest?)
This tour was the first tour where I was extremely impressed with Ed's vocals (Yes, yes, I know Daniel is singing here). I had always enjoyed his singing, but it was the first time I thought, "Wow!" These guys will always hold a special place in my heart. They were the first band I followed all the way from tiny free shows in NYC up to the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. during the Shields tour.
I enjoyed this too, and having delved into a bit of progressive rock, this had an interesting structure and it reminded me a bit of early King Crimson.
I heard a lot of prog in there (think: King Crimson). The legend of the king and/or army under the mountain who will arise in time of need is worldwide. Arthur in Great Britain; Blanik in the Czech Republic; just about anywhere there are barrow mounds. Even Drake and his drum. Grizzlies don't occur in Australia, the predators to beware of there are drop bears (look them up). Another track for the two of you to despise - Steve Winwood, "Arc of a Diver".
This was the album that introduced me to Grizzly Bear. Never heard before how similar the change for the last part of the song is to a Fleet Foxes song.
Jon… I’ve spotted the first Bleach EP on your wall… ‘Eclipse’….one of my favourite bands from the early ‘90’s! Both of their first two EP’s were great. Hopefully you’ll be giving Andy a track off this to react to soon!
Really enjoyed that, impressively executed with, as others have said, an updated progressive sound. If anything almost too polished for me, could have done with less pretty vocals or a bit more distortion in the guitars, but this is nitpicking and a matter of personal taste.