There is something hypnotic about Daniel Rossen’s singing voice. His vocal instrument is not pristine and soaring like his Grizzly Bear co-lead Ed Droste. It is softer and more earnest, yet no less moving.
Rossen’s performances are always scrappy and inspired, like a boxer discounted because of his size. His words are wistful and/or pointed, depending on the song. They leave blanks for the listener to fill in.
On “Sleeping Ute”, the first taste of Grizzly Bear’s upcoming fourth album, Rossen sings about searching for peace as a brilliant guitar lick rolls like a tumbleweed behind him. He can’t find it though, largely because of his own actions.
