Grizzly Bear’s Yellow House garnered its share of indie glow in 2006; it was the group’s first step into the hi-fi realm and a swift kick in the pants for anyone with an ear for psychedelic folk. Here on the Friend EP rather than attempt to round up new fans with fresh material, Grizzly Bear placates established listeners with over 10 tracks composed mainly of covers and alternate takes of songs from its first two records. “Alligator” is revisited and revamped with electric guitars, and a choir, then extended via a series of rumbling builds and releases. “Shift” was heavily burdened by lo-fi fuzz on the band’s 2005 debut, but the reworking here shimmers and showcases how masterfully layered Grizzly Bear’s harmonizing can be. Covers from CSS and Band of Horses are enjoyable in their unfamiliarity, and Grizzly Bear’s penchant for the sonically fragile and precise makes for a captivating EP.
First printed in January/February Harp
A great EP.