Using jazzy-rock and classic sound, Grand Archives has created a light and uplifting soundtrack — something simply to cruise around in the car to or listen to while lying in the sun.
Inspired by the Bee-Gees, Beach Boys and The Shins, Grand Archives’ sing-along melodies provide dreamy tunes that put you in a good mood, Western senior Conor Ryan said.
Grand Archives focuses on using four and five-part vocal harmonies and a variety of instruments, such as pedal steel guitar, flugelhorn and violins.
“They get out the slide guitars, sounding twangy on some songs, and they layer vocals like Band of Horses,” Ryan said. “But they still have a really unique sound.”
Popularity of the Grand Archives has grown quickly, especially in the Northwest, Underground Coffeehouse coordinator Yuri Toplin said. Toplin said he is excited to have the Grand Archives perform at 8 p.m. May 14 in the Underground Coffeehouse.
“Concerts in the Underground Coffeehouse have a very intimate setting,” Toplin said. “You’ll be right next to the stage, which is also where the band hangs out before the show.”
Seattle-based Grand Archives formed in 2006 and performed their first show in 2007.
They signed with Sub Pop Records, who signed bands such as Nirvana, The Shins and The Postal Service. Their next performance opening will be for the Seattle band Modest Mouse.
The band formed when singer and guitarist Mat Brooke, previously part of bands such as Carissa’s Wierd and Band of Horses, met with drummer Curtis Hall (The Jeunes), bassist Jeff Montano (The New Mexicans) and guitarist and keyboard player Ron Lewis (Ghost Stories).
After the four met, guitarist Thomas Wright signed on with Grand Archives.
“Grand Archives are really part of that new Seattle scene,” Toplin said. Following indie tunes similar to Carissa’s Weird and Band of Horses, Grand Archives has an older 90s pop sound, Toplin said.
“I first heard of Grand Archives a few months ago; I heard their song “Sleepdriving” on KUGS,” Ryan said. “Then I heard that one of the guys in it used to play for Band of Horses, which is one of my favorite bands. I listened to a few songs on Grand Archives’ Myspace page and was hooked.”
After seeing the Grand Archives perform at Seattle’s summer festival Bumbershoot, Toplin said he knew he had to have them perform at Western.
“Grand Archives really are the upcoming next best music,” Toplin said. “It’s great that this is a free show and you can be so close with the band.”
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