The Grand Archives

About

The main writing and performing vehicle for former Band of Horses guitarist Mat Brooke, Seattle’s Grand Archives perform a similarly shimmering pop on their self-titled 2008 debut. Brooke’s earnest vocals combine with thick three and four part harmonies that along with heavy production reverb establish the <i>grand</i> in the band’s name. Lyrics slip into abstract, self-referential thoughts that sound even odder against the catchy sing-song melodies. “Swan Matches,” “Index Moon,” “A Setting Sun” and the gorgeous “Sleepdriving” suggest a cross between the baroque ‘60s pop of the Bee Gees and obscurer ‘80s-90s groups as the House of Love and Prefab Sprout. “George Kaminsky” strips things to acoustics and haunting backing vocal harmonies as it recounts a man collecting clovers. Elsewhere, the band whistles and adds pedal steel, French horn, trombone, saxophone, trumpet and flugelhorn to maximize the playground for a modern-day eclectic psychedelia. The instrumental “Breezy No Breezy” uses a noir stalk and incorporates a vague dub groove. An encouraging debut.

via Apple Music

The Clerk says

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