Customer Reviews

Grand Archives

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Grand Archives is a new project out of Seattle by Mat Brooke who split from Band of Horses, this is after both he and Ben Bridwell split from Carissa's Wierd to form Band of Horses. Their sound is indie folk/pop music with vocals in harmony. The other band members are bassist Jeff Montano (the New Mexicans), guitarist Curtis Hall (the Jeunes), multi-instrumentalist Ron Lewis (Ghost Stories) and drummer Thomas Wright.

A Setting Sun (track 6) is a catchy song with a country feel. Torn Blye Foam Coach (track 1) is a layered, urgent track. Swan Matches (track 3) is a slow lazy stroll. Sleepdriving (track 8) starts out as a subdued and meandering song with violin which builds up to layered vocals and guitars. Crime Wave (track 10) is an indie pop track, different from the others, where they say the vocals mostly instead of singing them.

I love the new album from Grand Archives. The members of this Seattle combo have a long history of making great music with other bands, most notably Mat Brooke (from Carissa's Wierd and Band Of Horses) and Ron Lewis (from Ghost Stories, whose Quixoticism was a highlight of 2007). Rich harmonies, catchy hooks (including some of the best whistling in ages,) and lustrous guitars abound. Get this record!

This is a great album. It's worth your time to listen.

Folk, country, rock...great.

I think this album has had more plays in my CD player than any other album I own. Mat Brooke and crew have created one of the most enjoyable, beautiful albums I've ever heard. The live show is not one to be missed either. Fans of Brooke's previous band "Band of Horses" will definitely enjoy this record as much, if not more than anything BoH has ever put out.

at last found an new group that has great music, intelligent words, and good singers. music is a throwback to the 80.s, slightly reminicent of ELO. lyrics don;t match the cheery, peppy music, and are dark. listened to band of horses, carissa;s weird after hearing this and believe this tops them both. am surprised and dissapointed that this isn;t making a bigger splash and getting air time.

I bought this cd on a whim. I happened upon this band on myspace and decided they were worth a listen. I was not disappointed at all. When I just want to drift along in my car its the perfect soundtrack.

actually more of a 4.5 rating. This album is great, especially if you are/were a fan of Band of Horses.

This album hasn't been far from my CD player since I first got it. Songs range from mellow to rockin', Beatle-esque to unmistakably modern. The one thing they all have in common is great melody and vocal harmonies, and extremely catchy sound.

I have not listened to another album since this was released and it is everything I hoped for and more. Their Demo/EP set the table and they have surely delivered. I prefer the demo version of "George Kaminsky" but overall really love this album.

It was lead singer Matt Brook's talent one heard in "Everything All The Time" and on this album he's found more worthy company to create an album hypnotizing yet bright. This is one of those wondrous and rare albums that become one's exclusive soundtrack for time.

PS. the Countdown to "Torn Blue Foam Couch"'s use in a TV commercial starts at T minus 5, 4, 3...