Album Reviews

Album Review: Bishop Allen – Grrr… (Dead Oceans)

By | Published on Monday 16 March 2009

Bishop Allen

Bishop Allen, once every awkward indie kid’s favourite band and exposed to the wider world by their recent appearance on Michael Cera flick ‘Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist’, are to release their third LP ‘Grrr…’ in mid-March. Don’t be unsettled by the name – gentle and jolly, ‘Grrr…’ is a squashy-comfortable collection of infectious, hum-along melodies, and is equally meticulously crafted. With producer Bryce Goggin (Pavement and The Apples In Stereo, amongst others) behind them, Bishop Allen have firmly rounded off their unique sound, which has matured and sharpened since the excellent ‘The Broken String’ and twelve-month EP project. Glimmers of the obvious influences and comparisons flit here and there, from artists such as Spoon, Coconut Records and Voxtrot, but in ‘Grrr…’ as a whole, Bishop Allen have risen above the similarities and come out as individuals. From the build-up anthem opener ‘Dimmer’ (‘I would choose the darkest horse, that’s the horse I’d ride’ – an ode to said eccentricity), to the exceptionally endearing ‘Don’t Hide Away’, ‘Grrr…’ acts out like a quirky indie comedy, all unassuming and bashful, yet full of witty banter and harmonies you want playing during the kiss-and-make-up scenes. The lion may have been cowardly this time, but ‘Grrr…’ is so sweet and finely put together that you wouldn’t have it any other way. TW

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