Grizzly Bear shines in Blue Valentine

Through an emphasis on instrumentals and harmonic vocals, Grizzly Bear strays from the common place pop stars, that dominate our radios and embraces music as an art form beautiful in its simplicity.

In essence, they go back to the basics.

Light, twangy and chipper guitars capture the ups of Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy’s (Michelle Williams) relationship in Blue Valentine, while the piano and vocals complement each other in a perfectly melancholic manner, flooding the listener with emotions and allowing the moviegoer to feel all the heartbreak that the couple experiences.

Grizzly Bear avoids crazy, sex-infused lyrics and attention tactics, instead opting for perfected choral elements, similar to those of Fleet Foxes. Shift (Alternate Version), captures and sets the tone for the devastating pinnacle of the drama while a montage depicts the “better and worse” of the relationship as the couple contemplates divorce.

Whimsical whistling and delightful chimes establish a carefree vibe and remind the viewer and listener of happier times.

On the other hand, the emotional, harmonic and musical build up, in addition to lyrics like “when push comes to shove this is getting old” allow the moviegoer to comprehend the ultimate collapse of the marriage.

Grizzly Bear stands on its own as a unique and independent band; however, its integration with Blue Valentine elevates their status from relaxed and melodic up-and-comers to a deep, heartfelt, musically gifted force.

Read a review of Blue Valentine here.