Shields by Grizzly Bear

Though full of baroque, detail-rich production and latticework melodies, Shields also offers an emotionally resonant core.

Delicate beauty and refined presentation still rule on the Brooklyn mainstay’s fourth album, Shields, but the balance is subtly shifting.

Shields works because of its complexity rather than in spite of it. 

This is an ensemble that seems to have reached a sort of pinnacle in collaboration and musical communication.

While Shields may mark a transition for the band in terms of the immediate emotional impact of their music, it is clear that they have not in any way abandoned their expansive approach to melody and song structure. 

Shields growls and purrs in ways Grizzly Bear has never before.

The album is filled with wonderful little moments that add up to create a remarkable whole. 

Though at time reaching heavenly heights, Shields is, as the name suggests, a heavy, protected album, stuffy with an ennui particular to the young and gifted.

Any mention of Shields being slightly more up front and rougher around the edges is not to say that isn't still beautiful. 

The praise for this album must also be given to their ability to keep up their standard of timeless, mood-enhancing music.

Shields is both well-mannered and demanding, subdued but always bubbling under the surface. 

For all the strange twists and turns, the rich layers and dark beauty to be found, nothing here grabs you and sets up home in your heart like ‘Veckatimest’ did. 

The hard work they put into Shields deserves recognition, even if it occasionally strikes as too labored and considered.

a consistent album of very good songs but no brilliant ones, talented song writers and musicians but lacks deep emotion (imo)

" Leaves my mind at ease gives me something to focus on " Grizzly Bear

:)

Incredibly dull. Bland, soulless music. Utterly devoid of merit.

No one track really excites but they all come close.