Bears in a beach house

I just came back home from the “Grizzly Bear” concert at the historic Orpheum Theater of Boston, and I ‘m still thrilled by the unforgettable show it was. By far the best concert I have been this year.

It was even more special as I didn't expect Beach House (http://www.myspace.com/beachhousemusic) to open the show and play many songs from their wonderful album “Devotion”. Now I see why marketing is so goddamn important! Such a special band - especially the lead-singer Victoria - with so little appeal. Anyhow, I can’t imagine they will remain in the shade for long.

Back to the bears. What a Band. I knew they were outstanding musicians, but I didn't expect such a rare blend of retro guitar-riffs, which remind me they way David Crosby used to play with Byrds, with the inter-exchange of four beautiful lush voices surrounding an impeccable and solid baseline of drum & base.

I spent days reviewing the last two albums, Yellow House (2006) and the most recent one Veckatimest (2009) and I couldn't imagine some of the songs to be performed live. Much of the songs are filled with ambiance and finesse, and in some ways their works (especially in Yellow House) are more about the environment they create, rather than the lyrics or the instruments. So I was surprised to hear such a good result. Chris Taylor, who works more or less like Greenwood works for Radiohead, creates much of the music ambiance. I have seen him much of the time bent on different kinds of instruments, producing a wonderful sound. I found it particularly convincing in “Knife”, one of the most difficult songs to perform live.

Daniel Rossen instead, with his guitar, is able to open beautiful open spaces through which the four voices can enter to create an irresistible melting pot of sounds, choirs and riffs. He is one of the most emotive guitarists I have seen in the last years, with quite a remarkable voice, while all together GB are possibly the best group vocal performance I've heard live from an indie-rock band so far.

Quite clearly Ed Droste, the Grizzly Bear founder and lead-singer, has found some pretty talented musicians to share his musical views and complement his talent. I really recommend everyone not to miss their concert when they will come nearby your city. They are really good on record, but live they stand out.

Hope you'll enjoy some of the photos/video of the concert that I will soon post on the blog. (Let's see who wins between a stubborn red-hair blogger and cheap technology).

More info at: http://www.grizzly-bear.net/ and http://www.myspace.com/grizzlybear