Review Summary: Experimental indie types now legitimate big beasts
2009’s 'Veckatimest' was somewhat of a ramble and could have done with a trim, a little off the back and sides, shedding a couple of songs here and there to make for a far more satisfying start to finish listen. ‘Shields’ is a different animal, the steely focus the band applies in communicating their distinct vision here marks this down as an exercise in refinement; this album has that hard to define 'just so' feel that stands it apart from its predecessor, every song adds a necessary flavour to the mix and to remove any element would diminish the overall effect.
The first three songs proper (discounting the short instrumental 'Adelma') are faultless; the constantly shifting dramatics of 'Sleeping Ute' make this a repeat plays joy and sweep you into the landscape of 'Shields' like a magic portal, the acoustic coda gently letting go of your hand when you've arrived on the other side; 'Speaking in Rounds' in terms of structure is straightforwardly propulsive and folksy yet boasts so many layers of sonic detail it becomes something fascinatingly ornate over time; and 'Yet Again' is strident with rich vocals to the fore, again the song writing surprises as the structure is ripped apart in the final minute by a violent prog breakdown. All things considered a breathtaking start.
The middle section of the album is more expansive, slowing shifting mood between the resigned balladry of 'The Hunt', through the impassioned vocal harmonising of 'A Simple Answer' and the shimmering Talk Talk textures of 'What's Wrong', and concluding with the slinky 'Gun-Shy'. These songs, though less immediate, are where the distinctive atmosphere of 'Shields' is afforded the space to develop and eventually flourish, a place where the listener can pleasantly lose their way a little.
The strings that open 'Half Gate' herald the end of this more restrained section of music and the intensity is ramped up again; the military drums and ominous orchestration that close this number are a real highlight and set the stage for the perfect finale, the epic emotional outpouring 'Sun in Your Eyes'. The euphoric wall of noise that builds towards the end of the song is cut dramatically; a lone piano plays out the final twenty seconds, a well judged conclusion to the album.
Hugely impressive, 'Shields' keeps up the grand Grizzly Bear traditions of atmosphere and experimentation but ups the levels of focus and intensity resulting in their most consistently enjoyable release so far.
