Since Ed Droste announced two years ago that he was quitting music to become a therapist, it seems clear that there is little point in waiting for a new album from the band he founded, Grizzly Bear. This was most likely the opinion of Daniel Rossen as well, who was the last member to join the quartet, which was initially a solo project from Droste. From that point onwards, Rossen took on the role of second guitarist and singer. You can hear on Rossen’s solo album »You Belong There«, just how much his contribution, and not just his bright, husky voice, has helped shape Grizzly Bear’s sound since 2005. The abrupt changes of style in keeping with art rock, the searchingly ramified harmonic weave, the brittle chamber-pop arrangements and the elements borrowed from free folk are just as much Rossen’s thing. And he does all this just as well on his own. He even played almost all the instruments solo. Double bass, cello, woodwind instruments and again and again his concert guitar. Only the drums were played by bandmate Chris Bear. Daniel Rossen may not necessarily explore sides that are completely unfamiliar, but when you listen to them their nothing you don’t miss. It’s been five years since the last Grizzly Bear album, and you can tell from Rossen’s songs that you’ve missed them. With him, everything has even more urgency now, it feels more raw. One could only wish that he had more company. Provided that it doesn’t stand in the way of his creativity.
Squid
Cowards
Warp