The Phoenix Network:
 
 
 
About  |  Advertise
Adult  |  Moonsigns  |  Band Guide  |  Blogs  |  In Pictures
 
CD Reviews  |  Classical  |  Live Reviews  |  Music Features
50_bands_50_States_2009_banner

Department of Eagles | In Ear Park

4AD (2008)
By RYAN STEWART  |  October 21, 2008
3.5 3.5 Stars
eaglesINSIDE.jpg
Rare is the side project that outstrips the better-known band, but Dan Rossen, one of the main men of Grizzly Bear, does just that with his “other band,” Department of Eagles. In Ear Park improves on Grizzly Bear’s psychedelic folk æsthetic by both fleshing it out and making it more accessible. The orchestrated arrangements are impeccable, and the Beatles/Beach Boys–ian pop melodies are great. Rossen’s aching tenor conveys genuine sadness and yearning in “Phantom Other” and “Herring Bone”; the piano, harp, and cello on “Teenagers” create a pleasantly airy vibe. The clear standout, though, is the lead single, “No One Does It like You,” which trundles along with rattling percussion, hollow vocal harmonies, and staccato, overly reverbed guitars. Rossen sounds especially haunting and beautiful here, singing “I try so hard.” Nothing against Grizzly Bear, but I wouldn’t complain if this were all he did from now on.
Related: Review: Department of Eagles, On with the shows . . ., Local color, More more >
  Topics: CD Reviews , Entertainment, Music, Music Reviews,  More more >
  • Share:
  • Share this entry with Facebook
  • Share this entry with Digg
  • Share this entry with Delicious
  • RSS feed
  • Email this article to a friend
  • Print this article
Comments

Today's Event Picks
ARTICLES BY RYAN STEWART
Share this entry with Delicious

 See all articles by: RYAN STEWART

MOST POPULAR
RSS Feed of for the most popular articles
 Most Viewed   Most Emailed 



  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
thePhoenix.com:
Phoenix Media/Communications Group:
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group