Spinner

Grizzly Bear Get the Claws Out

The buzz surrounding Brooklyn-based indie rock quartet Grizzly Bear has reached fever pitch. Not even a week has gone by since the release of 'Veckatimest,' the band's third full-length effort, and whispers of Best Album of the Year have already begun.

Their success however, did not come overnight. Last summer, the band's carefully-crafted orchestral pop caught the attention of Radiohead, who hand-picked them for the opening spot on their North American tour. In addition to stints with indie powerhouses TV on the Radio and Feist, Grizzly Bear has even shared the stage with Paul Simon. "We were so out of our element. It was a totally different concert experience," vocalist Ed Droste told Spinner during the group's Interface taping. "A beautiful opera house ... and of course, getting to meet Paul Simon was amazing."

However, early in March, with anticipation over the new record still building, the group experienced a bump in the road when 'Veckatimest' was leaked online to anxious fans. "Obviously for the label and for us, we put a lot of work into it and we want people to buy it -- get the whole package and listen to it in good quality," Droste said. Luckily, the guys were able to remain positive about the ordeal. "That said, we are really excited that people are excited about it."

As the band gains visibility through glowing profiles and reviews in the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and Rolling Stone (to name a few), their career path continues upward. For now, the critically-lauded band is focused on bringing their new songs to fans on tour. "Being on the road is very simple. It's like, all you have to do is play that show and it's really fun," Droste said. "You know? Hopefully, eat some fun food."

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ZultanaX

why da F should this be horrible? For me they are pretty original and i always smell talent... nevermindin the fact the 90% 'music' coming out nowadays is pure dog shit based 2 or 3 notes. btw, the album is lovely and has some really catchy tunes. As for the live performance, they're a new band and i expect theyll get more experience.

June 12 2009 at 12:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe Bob

A little tame for me, but they are good musicians. Better than most of the c=rap out there. And their guitarist really shreds... ;)

June 02 2009 at 3:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
machoman1233

horrid. just plain bad, im sorry.

June 02 2009 at 2:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TMH - Detach1212

I generally like most popular music, but really felt this is over-rated. There wasn't a single song you could dance to. "Ready Able" was the only one I could listen to all the way through. "Two Weeks" was so-so. I think there is some unique musicality to their work, but in general, thumbs down. I don't see any link to the 50's or 60's. I suspect those that like Adel may enjoy this, and then again, I did care for her much either. A few great songs and everything else fillers. Duffy to me is a much more talented performer with much better material. You can listen to her entire album and enjoy it. I think Duffy should have won the New Artist of the year over in the UK.

June 02 2009 at 2:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
redurtin66

It's a little late for April Fool's.What kind of drugs are those critics on? This has got to be a joke. I couldn't even figure out what language they were (and I use this term loosely)singing in.

June 02 2009 at 1:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Amanda

Did anyone else think that all of those songs sounded the same? I did.

June 02 2009 at 1:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kennethmattison

Think you need to be a fan to enjoy this and I'm not hearing this. I do not like it.

June 02 2009 at 1:06 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Americaswthrt16

Their vocals and music are horrible. Sorry, but I won't be buying this band's album.

June 02 2009 at 1:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
samaras1

:) I agree.... People need to step outside thier comfort zone; if they are so stuckkkk, they are afraid of change. Change is good..and so is this band

June 02 2009 at 12:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
samaras1

:) .. People need to step outside thier comfort zone sometimes; if they are so stuckkkk, they are afraid of change. Change is good..and so is this band. Good Luck guys & Don't look down cuz you are going straight to the top. :)

June 02 2009 at 12:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply