'In Ear Park' Reviewed
February 2nd 2010 06:31
Hi guys, Bren here, posting my first in-depth album review of the blog. I'll be reviewing an album called "In Ear Park" by Department of Eagles, a duo I'm not sure many people would have heard of, so I'll start with some background information on them.
DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES began at New York University in 2000 when roommates Daniel Rossen and Fred Nicolaus began to pass the time by writing songs together, and laying down tracks using pirated software and microphone equipment borrowed from their neighbour, Chris Taylor. In 2004, Rossen joined New York band, Grizzly Bear, a band featuring Taylor on bass. In the meantime, Nicolaus began working, but would send tracks and song ideas to Rossen, who was working on his own songs too personal for use in Grizzly Bear, via email. Over the next three years, the two men had begun the workings of a studio album, which they begun in December 2007, enlisting the help of Rossen's fellow Grizzly Bear members Chris Bear (Drums) and Taylor (Bass, horns, producer/engineer.) The result was In Ear Park, a personal collection of songs dedicated to Rossen's late father, and released in late-2008.
This is a fantastically colourful album, sometimes dark and emotional (In Ear Park, Herringbone), sometimes bright and happy (No One Does It Like You, Teenagers) and everything in between. It is an album that is enjoyable from start to finish, while still varying its moods. This is certainly my kind of music; an acoustic record with piano featuring in some songs, and perfect vocal harmonies on every song stealing the show. Rossen and Nicolaus are spot on with their vocals, especially. The songwriting draws from various influences, but is still completely original in its melodies, personal lyrics (Rossen being the main vocalist for the duo), and musical concepts. The Grizzly Bear similarities are also there in some songs, which is understandable given the band members, although not too prominent throughout. Rossen has been given more freedom to use his own themes and songwriting techniques, and his own brand of guitar playing is on show. The banjo also features on the record, most prominently on closing track, Balmy Night.
All of these things make In Ear Park something, but the samples and effects contributed by all four collaborators make this record something else. The seemingly a'cappella parts for songs such as No One Does It Like You and Phantom Other are, for me, the highlight of the record, and are what sets them apart from your typical acoustic/indie/alternative record out there. The arrangements for strings, etc. add a certain rare mysterious feel to the album, one you will only just begin to understand after studying the songs a dozen or more times.
It is hard to find a lowpoint of the album, but I would say Therapy Car Noise would be the lowest. It is a very experimental type of song. Highlights incude No One Does It Like You (probably the most pop-influenced song on the album, the song is a reminder of summer), the brilliance of Phantom Other (the drums comimg in for the second verse is pure bliss!) and the fantastic 'bring-up-then-straight-back- down' chorus in Classical Records.
Overall, this record certainly increased my love for the man some are labelling 'God,' Daniel Rossen, and provides a good alternative to listening to my favourites, Grizzly Bear.
Rating: 4 and a 1/2 out of 5.
Soaring eagles: Dan Rossen and Fred Nicolaus
DEPARTMENT OF EAGLES began at New York University in 2000 when roommates Daniel Rossen and Fred Nicolaus began to pass the time by writing songs together, and laying down tracks using pirated software and microphone equipment borrowed from their neighbour, Chris Taylor. In 2004, Rossen joined New York band, Grizzly Bear, a band featuring Taylor on bass. In the meantime, Nicolaus began working, but would send tracks and song ideas to Rossen, who was working on his own songs too personal for use in Grizzly Bear, via email. Over the next three years, the two men had begun the workings of a studio album, which they begun in December 2007, enlisting the help of Rossen's fellow Grizzly Bear members Chris Bear (Drums) and Taylor (Bass, horns, producer/engineer.) The result was In Ear Park, a personal collection of songs dedicated to Rossen's late father, and released in late-2008.
Track Listing
1. In Ear Park
2. No One Does It Like You
3. Phantom Other
4. Teenagers
5. Around The Bay
6. Herringbone
7. Classical Records
8. Waves of Rye
9. Therapy Car Noise
10. Floating On The Lehigh
11. Balmy Night
1. In Ear Park
2. No One Does It Like You
3. Phantom Other
4. Teenagers
5. Around The Bay
6. Herringbone
7. Classical Records
8. Waves of Rye
9. Therapy Car Noise
10. Floating On The Lehigh
11. Balmy Night
This is a fantastically colourful album, sometimes dark and emotional (In Ear Park, Herringbone), sometimes bright and happy (No One Does It Like You, Teenagers) and everything in between. It is an album that is enjoyable from start to finish, while still varying its moods. This is certainly my kind of music; an acoustic record with piano featuring in some songs, and perfect vocal harmonies on every song stealing the show. Rossen and Nicolaus are spot on with their vocals, especially. The songwriting draws from various influences, but is still completely original in its melodies, personal lyrics (Rossen being the main vocalist for the duo), and musical concepts. The Grizzly Bear similarities are also there in some songs, which is understandable given the band members, although not too prominent throughout. Rossen has been given more freedom to use his own themes and songwriting techniques, and his own brand of guitar playing is on show. The banjo also features on the record, most prominently on closing track, Balmy Night.
All of these things make In Ear Park something, but the samples and effects contributed by all four collaborators make this record something else. The seemingly a'cappella parts for songs such as No One Does It Like You and Phantom Other are, for me, the highlight of the record, and are what sets them apart from your typical acoustic/indie/alternative record out there. The arrangements for strings, etc. add a certain rare mysterious feel to the album, one you will only just begin to understand after studying the songs a dozen or more times.
It is hard to find a lowpoint of the album, but I would say Therapy Car Noise would be the lowest. It is a very experimental type of song. Highlights incude No One Does It Like You (probably the most pop-influenced song on the album, the song is a reminder of summer), the brilliance of Phantom Other (the drums comimg in for the second verse is pure bliss!) and the fantastic 'bring-up-then-straight-back- down' chorus in Classical Records.
Overall, this record certainly increased my love for the man some are labelling 'God,' Daniel Rossen, and provides a good alternative to listening to my favourites, Grizzly Bear.
Rating: 4 and a 1/2 out of 5.
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