It seems as though the four boys from Brooklyn are stepping into their moment in the sun. They sold out the Trocadero last night, most likely behind the booming success of their new LP Veckatemist. Even more so, the single “Two Weeks” is getting some serious airplay. And why shouldn’t it? It’s so catchy that those who hum find themselves singing along to the rise-fall-rise higher repetitions. And tonight Philly got a surprise little treat when Grizzly Bear played their big single—a guest appearance from the rather adorable Victoria Legrand, vocalist for Beach House. Her high-waisted mom slacks and bowtie were louder than her hushed contribution; a barely audible background vocal to Ed Droste’s crystal clear lead.
Their set included a welcome mix of 2006’s Yellow House standards but electrified and energized. “Knife” and “Little Brother” sound almost like countrified folk jams on disc. But after some trouble tuning Droste’s guitar, lead guitarist Dan Rossen came to the rescue so both guitars could chime in at the right moment for “Little Brother”’s many crescendos. Rossen shares lead vocal duties on some songs and his “My God That’s Not the Way” was one of the highlights of the set, as was the unforgettable galloping drum and haunting reprise of “I want you to know” and “I think it’s alright” from “Knife.”
Veckatemist highlights included the set and album opener “Southern Point.” Its slow and soft start with a buildup to a climactic guitar and drum explosion is characteristic of several strong Grizzly Bear songs, and Rossen can really shred when he gets hyped up, throwing in extra notes and strums as the moment requires. “Cheerleader” and “While You Wait for the Others” were other new standouts. Rossen’s slightly higher vocal fits very nicely over the rest of the bands howling, including drummer Chris Bear and bassist Chris Taylor. It’s on “While You Wait” where you can really appreciate that all four band members contribute to the vocal delivery while Rossen reaches over the top with “And what was there / The perfect cleft / We all fall through.”
It’s nice to love a new record, but even better to be assured that the guys making it aren’t just studio nerds. It would’ve been a boring show if they’d only thrown in one or two Yellow House jams, but Grizzly Bear are shaping up to be one of the best indie rock bands of the 2000s.
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