No introduction to Seattle act Grand Archives would be complete without a mention of Carissa’s Wierd. The latter band’s eclectic folk-pop was captured on three stellar records in the late 90’s through to 2002; Carissa’s Wierd disbanded in 2003 and Mat Brooke moved on to Band of Horses before eventually forming Grand Archives. The first set of Grand Archives’ demos appeared in March of 2007 while Sub Pop dropped their self-titled full length debut in February this year. Chock-full of rich harmonies, inspirational crescendos, undeniable hooks, and thoughtful lyricism, the record basks in a variety of lush instrumentation with a smooth dream-pop sound tying it all together. From the chirpy “A Setting Sun” to the downtrodden “Swan Matches”, from the freewheeling “Miniature Birds” to the epic “Sleepdriving”, Grand Archives is an impeccable soundtrack fit to pacify a wide array of emotions. more ›