Horn Of Plenty (2004)

"Grizzly Bear's debut offers up a lysergic brand of minimalist psychedelic folk perfect for those who find Elliott Smith's early work a bit too accessible and upbeat. Largely the home recording project of singer/songwriter Ed Droste, "Horn of Plenty" was eventually augmented by multi-instrumentalist Christopher Bear. To these ends, the album features a mostly melancholy mix of acoustic guitars, reeds, retro organs, and samples, all drenched in enough acid-washed effects to give Devendra Banhart flashbacks. Droste's weary, somnambulistic vocals work well with the slackadaisical melodies to create an unsettling atmospheric sound full of shimmering shadows. As a whole, the album produces a murky sound that unfolds like a narcotic dream you can't quite shake upon waking. This is the kind of album you'll want to listen to late at night, perhaps a few sheets to the wind, with the lights off and headphones on to allow these creepy, quiet little tunes to worm their way into your subconscious." (Bret Love, Allmusic)