The Syndicate

MovingPictures07 wrote:Regal Degal was fantastic, I agree, one of my favorite openers. I think my all-time favorite opener was Animals as Leaders though.

Nice pictures, was a truly great concert. I was once again reminded why I think Shields is definitively Grizzly Bear's best album. It'll be tough for them to top that, IMO.

I totally agree on Shields.

For your enjoyment, some accompanying pictures!

I will upload a few pics I took from my phone at some point this afternoon. But for now, here is a brief review.

The opener for Grizzly Bear was another band that also hailed from Brooklyn: Regal Degal. I'd seen the name mentioned briefly in some indie publications, but that was my previous knowledge of the band. I think they played mostly material from their 2 most recent EPs. They were absolutely fantastic, and one of the best openers I've ever heard. Think indie rock mixed with some post-punk, 60s psych rock, a touch of shoegaze and new wave, and some African-influenced percussion and bass. Their drummer and bassist stood out the most to me, and where a very energetic and tight rhythm section for the band. The guitarist/vocalist also employed a lot of effects and reverb, but it mixed in well and didn't overpower the band's overall sound. They just released a new EP called Pyramid Bricks, which I would recommend highly checking out. I already went ahead and dropped the $5 on Itunes to purchase it. Unfortunately, they said they do not have any physical copies yet, but they're hoping to release it on vinyl by the end of August.

As for Grizzly Bear, they were by far the cleanest-sound band I've ever heard live. Very dynamic and all of the band members (outside of I believe the drummer) employed multiple instruments. The bassist in particular switched to flute and saxophone for a few songs at times. And despite the broad influences, they still showed they had very strong compositional chops and great pop sensibilities. I found myself nodding my head along to all the songs, and had a strong urge to get up and dance along at times. But it was a seated venue and I tried to be nice to the people behind me. :P

All in all though, I would highly recommend checking out Grizzly Bear on tour if you ever get the chance. Especially if you love indie rock/pop and/or indie folk music with a twist.

For those interested in the setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/grizzly-b ... 6e866.html

I will post some pictures later when I get the chance.

Indeed. Excellent Bonnaroo review there, Danny! It just makes me want to go even more next year.

And I agree with Alex. It makes me even more excited to see Animal Collective next month.