Grand Archives

While most of the focus on Grand Archives' self-titled debut was preoccupied with connections to Band Of Horses, it turns out that it was actually merely an extension of Mat Brooke's older band, Carissa's Wierd. This has become more apparent on Keep In Mind Frankenstein, which wallows in the same wonderful melancholy as he used to in days gone by. Hardly surprising, really, considering Brooke is joined by a couple of Carissa's Wierd band mates, and that old chemistry makes for accomplished playing and vocal harmonies. The mood is quiet and contemplative, even on the relatively upbeat numbers, with an ever-present slide guitar lurking in the background on most tracks. The big issue, however, is that wallowing has caused Brooke to make a one-note album that's a move sideways. Songs drift by without beginning or end, and while there's no denying that the music verges on lovely on several occasions, over the duration of an album it sounds like he ran out of ideas. Until he comes up with some new ones, Grand Archives are best enjoyed in small doses.