Customer Reviews

In Ear Park

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For those who may not be familiar with contemporary improvisational music, there is a label out of Munich, Germany run by Manfred Eicher called ECM. Since 1969, they have produced some of the most beautiful and in some cases, the most highly influential records the genre has to offer. The records are generally done in roughly 3 to 4 days, leaving little room for studio tampering. Eicher is tyrannically opposed to overdubbing and over-producing, allowing the music to retain a very spontaneous atmosphere, as well as a very organic one. The music in most cases, reflects a wider world influence infusing not only elements of modern North American jazz, but classical European harmony and world folk.

The new record from Grizzly Bear member Daniel Rossen and long time musical collaborator Fred Nicolaus reminds me of one of Eicher's records. It's sparse arrangements coupled with dense harmonies and often-shambolic rhythms, brings to mind early Ralph Towner records. The chord structures used here are certainly not the generic ones found on most pop records, as with Grizzly Bear's Yellow House, chords are often realized beyond their mere 3 note applications and extend into the upper regions of the chord's implied harmony (extended 7th's and 9th's). The vocals are recorded in such a way that separating them from the music is impossible. They almost function as an instrument, that's not to detract from the lyrical content, but instead, enhances the experience by placing you as a listener right there with them throughout the whole record.

Discussing the lyrical content of this record would probably be a disservice, mostly because it really does transcend words for the most part. Having said that, the album was dedicated to Rossen's late father and carries with it topic matter that may not have been suitable for a Grizzly Bear project.

Another great strength of this record (along with Yellow House) is the "repeated listen" factor. It is recorded in such a way that the subtlety of the music will not reveal itself upon first listen. There are myriad vocal effects, reverb, and instrumental textures that are layered in a such a way that warrant this music to be experienced alone with a set of hi-fi headphones.

This is record to explore, live with, and more than likely, will be used as a reference 20 years from now as to where independent "pop" music was at the time and who were it's innovators.

While Grizzly Bear has been generating quite a stir, this album appears to have, for the most part, slipped right past the radar. At least, this was the case for me. I picked up this album recently and was impressed with the ability of these two artists to layer simple sounds to create a complex arrangement. I think that most of these songs are best in the context of the album as a whole, in other words the one thing this album doesn't really have is many "hit" songs . That is not to say it is completely void of them however. The track "No One Does It Like You" is particularly good with some catchy hooks. Neither is the lack of hits a bad thing. Albums like this one are best appreciated when you can sit down and devote 3/4 of an hour to listening to the whole thing.

album of the year...and this is the first review? writing about music is ridiculous - listen to it and love it!

It's one of the best albums I've heard in years. A cross between Beirut and Radiohead. Every song is spectacular. Masterpiece.

Memories are ghosts. We try to ignore their existence as we struggle blindly into the future. We have our grown-up hopes and ambitions, our schedules and attentions as maxed out as our credit cards until that moment when our memories are summoned up to haunt us again without warning. The incantations are quick and simple; a cup of coffee in a dark blue cup, the pealing dashboard or a dusty Oldsmobile, a child's voice singing to himself down a wooden hallway, and suddenly there is another presence in our minds. We are drawn back into our past as if in a dream. And it's in these woozy half formed memories that we find The Department of Eagles relaxing on their guitars and drums waiting to soundtrack our journey. Because memories are ghosts and the Department of Eagles are a band of ghosts. In Ear Park plays like the mysterious sonnet from a band chained to songs that relive a past full of joy, sincerity, love, honor and hope that they cannot help but see, hear, smell, taste, and always feel. But they paint into the landscape of the songs the same pain, uncertainty, insecurity and regret of people who, like any of us, can never again touch or change their past. They are cemented to it, chained to it, and this is their story.

I only recently discovered Grizzly Bear on my local community radio station. I fell in love with Veckatimest and thought I'd explore In Ear Park after sampling a few songs off it. Now there is a competition between the two for more attention. I would highly recommend anyone who enjoyed the last Grizzly Bear would most likely enjoy the Department of Eagles In Ear Park.

Department of Eagles has created a sonic wonderland on their first official release. Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear) and Fred Nicolaus comprise the group and have honed their skills on these songs that they have previously been playing for a select audience. Dedicated to Rossen's late father, `In Ear Park' is hardly a record immersed in mourning. Creatively and thematically, the record is all over the map. Each song unravels more aural treats after each listen. `In Ear Park' is at times woozy and shambolic; Department of Eagles create mini symphonies in their pop music setting.

Taking stylistic note from Van Dyke Parks' production sound, the album sounds cinematic and dreamy as most songs are coated with a gauzy film. "No One Does It Like You" is a strong contender for stand out track because of the catchy 60's melody prominently displayed in a glorious wall of sound. "Teenagers" sounds like a long lost 78 with its circus-like melody and handclapped percussion. "Floating on the Lehigh" has a tide like melody it ebbs and recedes. `In Ear Park' is an album that rewards again and again.

This album is simply one of the 5 best albums of the year. Imagine Wilco fronted by Sgt Pepper's-era Lennon with a healthy dash of Radiohead. Just get it already.

As one of the few people to know or care about Department of Eagles, Daniel Rossen and Fred Nicolaus worked as a band before Daniel went on to Grizzly Bear. Their first album was a mash up of electronic beats and pop, but lacked the structure and cohesion to really stand out. The complete opposite is true for In Ear Park. Taking some of the best influences of Grizzly Bear, and abandoning much of the electronic funk from their first album, they've crafted a beautiful and richly textured work.

While comparisons to Grizzly Bear are obvious, this isn't a bad thing, as Grizzly Bear is an excellent band. Rather, this album is a slightly more focused effort by the pair. While several members of Grizzly Bear helped out on this project, it's very clear that Rossen and Nicolaus are in control of the resulting sound.

And sound it does. From the bizarre, yet danceable No One Does It, to the softer, prettier In Ear Park, Phantom Other and Balmy Night, there's a clear focus on layered melodies and instruments, resulting in some unique and beautiful songs. While the album does occasionally veer into the obscure (Classical Records) it's hard to find much fault with it. For sonic experimentation done right, I recommend In Ear Park.

Department of Eagles is a side-project of sorts for Grizzly Bear member Daniel Rossen, along with main collaborator Fred Nicolaus. The two have been working together for quite a few years, first under the name Whitey On the Moon UK. This album marks, depending on how you really look at it, the second, third or fourth album from the Rossen/Nicolaus collaborations.

"In Ear Park" (12 tracks, including 1 bonus track; 45 min.) starts off with the title track, which immediately reminded me of the Grizzly Bear's "Yellow House" sound. "No One Does It Like You" (1st single) is as accessible as anything on here, a genuine indie-pop song that is just trenched in layers of warmth. "Phantom Offer" rocks surprisingly hard at times. However, as the album goes on, there is less and less melody and more atmospheric soundscapes. "Teenager", "Therapy Car Noise", "Floating on the Lehigh" and the official closer "Balmy Night" are all in that vein. It is then followed by an unaccredited (why, I don't know) short 2 min. bonus track also in the same vein.

In all, this is quite a nice album, and a must have for any fan of Grizzly Bear (who will release their highly-anticipated new album "Veckatimest" next month). If you are wondering where you can hear Department of Eagles, look no further than internet-only station WOXY (BAM! The Future of rock and roll!) which brings the best indie-music in the country, bar none. Meanwhile, "In Ear Park" is highly recommended!