I remember rather vividly driving around Huntington Beach with my grandfather, listening to the oldies radio station and singing along to all those classic songs. I was always a huge fan of that music because it, coupled with the sunny, summer months in the beach cities of California, enabled me to feel like life was perfect and anything was possible. The Grand Archives has similar qualities, which is probably one of the reasons I'm entranced so easily by the Grand Archives' debut release.
One listen to the first song off of this Sub Pop band's latest release and comparisons to The Beach Boys and The Turtles are all but undeniable. The vocals throughout the whole album are rich and harmonious, boasting ridiculously infectious melodies and introspective lyrics. The instrumentation is equally rich, showcasing everything from acoustic guitars and sparse drumming to full-fledged horns, keys, and electric guitar solos. The songs sway effortlessly back and forth between happy-go-lucky sounding tunes and softer, more ballad-like songs, all of which somehow call to mind—at least my mind—a simpler, happier time. And as a result, it has an instantly nostalgic feel that makes me warm inside and keeps me from hitting the stop button.
The eighth track on the album, titled "Sleepdriving," is easily my favorite song on the record because of how beautifully epic it is—multiple layers of vocals, slightly more prevalent drumming, angelic humming in the background, and a perfect guitar lead that sends chills down my spine when it comes in just past the three-and-a-half minute mark. Other standouts include the aforementioned, incredibly beach-y first track, "Torn Blue Foam Couch," the gorgeously mellow "Swan Matches," and "Index Moon," which to me is the soundtrack song playing during the drive back home after a perfect day of sun and sand in Surf City.
It's also probably worth mentioning that singer/guitarist Mat Brooke used to be in Band of Horses. So, if you're a fan of those guys, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice by not checking out Grand Archives. So what are you waiting for?
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