Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear tends to release growers, not growlers.

“Shields” is another exercise in restraint even as the band departs further from its chamber-folk roots toward something more immediate and precise.

This precision cuts to the bone when it works. When it doesn’t, the album sounds lifeless and routine.

Pristine production and arrangements place the focus more than ever on the songwriting, which soars and stumbles in equal measure.

The singles showcase Grizzly Bear in top form. “Sleeping Ute” is a beautiful and spooky shapeshifter. “Yet Again” is one of Ed Droste’s catchiest melodies, with weight to ground it.

“Shields” gets drab for a while after that.

Closing duo “Half Gate” and “Sun In Your Eyes” is worth the wait. “Half Gate” lets loose and reaches a satisfying end. “Sun In Your Eyes” takes off to heights only hinted at by the rest of the album.

“Shields” is hardly folly but, except for a few tracks, never sinks its claws into you like “Veckatimest” did.

This isn’t a misstep, but it is overcalculated. Grizzly Bear has refined itself to the point of perfection but also predictability.

By Patrick Beane