Grand Archives

When Carissa’s Wierd disbanded in 2003, members Ben Bridwell and Mat Brooke went on to form Band of Horses. Almost immediately after their 2006 debut (Everything All the Time) dropped, Brooke left to pursue Archives. Now known as Grand Archives, Brooke’s quest for independence has paid off. The Grand Archives isn’t far from BoH’s sweeping, feel-good rock, encompassing a similar nod to alt-country with wistful guitar passages and down-home charm, despite both bands’ Seattle addresses. Vocally, Brooke doesn’t carry the songs as sturdily or distinctly as Bridwell, but he’s wise enough to surround himself with warm, layered harmonies that ooze sincerity. The strongest attribute of Grand Archives, however, is their ability to adapt to other marked styles, opting for a sunny ’60s pop spring with "A Setting Sun” and shoegazing euphoria on "Sleepdriving,” with confidence and qualification. A solid first album, something tells me Grand Archives haven’t reached their potential yet but if/when they do, Sub Pop’s going to have two bands vying for flagship status.