Grand Archives: The Grand Archives

The Indie Review
By Sean Duregger
February 19, 2008

Artist: Grand Archives
Album: The Grand Archives
Label: Sub Pop

Rating:

It’s not often that I put in a new album and am hooked immediately. The members of Grand Archives are not new to making interesting music, featuring ex-members/members of respected bands Band of Horses, The New Mexicans, The Jeunes, Ghost Stories.

The Grand Archives is 11 tracks of well written, laid back songs. The album is comprised of 4 to 5 part vocal harmonies and a variety of interesting and unconventional instruments such as pedal steel guitar, violen, and harmonica. You’ll find comparisons to Band of Horses and Wilco, but Grand Archives are also inspired by The Mamas & The Papas, The Turtles and even The Beach Boys. This is an uplifting album that doesn’t adhere itself to any trends or flavor-of-the-week. Grand Archives have turned in an album with potential to be timeless.

I love this album and have added it to my pile of favorites. If you’re looking for something accessible, yet different from all the generic junk polluting the music scene, pick up this album. Grand Archives have given us a warm, uplifting and refreshing album that will be re-visited time and time again.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Torn Blue Foam Couch”

“Index Moon”

“A Setting Sun”