The Grand Archives

The Grand Archives

The main writing and performing vehicle for former Band of Horses guitarist Mat Brooke, Seattle’s Grand Archives perform a similarly shimmering pop on their self-titled 2008 debut. Brooke’s earnest vocals combine with thick three and four part harmonies that along with heavy production reverb establish the grand in the band’s name. Lyrics slip into abstract, self-referential thoughts that sound even odder against the catchy sing-song melodies. “Swan Matches,” “Index Moon,” “A Setting Sun” and the gorgeous “Sleepdriving” suggest a cross between the baroque ‘60s pop of the Bee Gees and obscurer ‘80s-90s groups as the House of Love and Prefab Sprout. “George Kaminsky” strips things to acoustics and haunting backing vocal harmonies as it recounts a man collecting clovers. Elsewhere, the band whistles and adds pedal steel, French horn, trombone, saxophone, trumpet and flugelhorn to maximize the playground for a modern-day eclectic psychedelia. The instrumental “Breezy No Breezy” uses a noir stalk and incorporates a vague dub groove. An encouraging debut.

More By Grand Archives

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada