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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Beautiful, October 10, 2008
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.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly Underated, February 23, 2009
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.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
f--king outstanding!, October 9, 2008
It's one of the best albums I've heard in years. A cross between Beirut and Radiohead. Every song is spectacular. Masterpiece.
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