Grand Archives — The Grand Archives

Grand Archives' singer/guitarist Mat Brooke is known for his work with Band Of Horses and Carissa's Wierd, but until now, few have heard the lighter — and better — side of his artistic vision. The debut from the Seattle-based quintet features 11 happy songs (whistling included on "Miniature Birds") that are reminiscent of Brooke's previous work with Carissa's Wierd, a band in which he was a focal point in the songwriting process. The majority of the songs feature different instruments — piano, saxophone, harmonica, you name it — that make you want to hum along in enjoyment. This is an impressive debut that won't have Brooke wishing he were still in one of his previous outfits, and one that will go down in the archives as a grand addition to Seattle's music scene.