In Ear Park

iTunes Review

More than four years in the making (The Cold Nose was originally released in 2003), In Ear Park is the sophomore release by what is essentially a collaboration between Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear), joined here by that band’s Chris Taylor and Chris Bear, and by bassist Nat Baldwin. Lonely-sounding pianos, whispering guitars, rattling percussion, reverb-drenched vocals, and songs that shimmer and haunt are conjured by both groups. Dedicated to Rossen’s recently deceased father, the songs on In Ear Park feel intimate and personal, and Rossen’s voice — a husky, warm warble  — lends a very distinct touch, especially to the mournful “Phantom Other,” the twinkling “Around the Bay,” and the wistful title track. The grand piano intro and otherworldly slide guitar on “Teenagers” waltzes along with near glee, and The Beach Boys-like backup chorus and walls of reverb surrounding “No One Does It Like You” imparts a luxuriant feel without burying the song in layers. “Waves of Rye” and “Therapy Car Noise” sound like they were pulled out of a dusty old magician’s trunk, full of atmospherics and ambient noise, while a rippling banjo carries “Balmy Night.” Freak folk is alive and well here.