It's been five years since Grizzly Bear released a new album, and the time off has benefitted the band. "We sort of needed that opportunity to have some space from being bandsmen," says drummer Christopher Bear. "It's a strange existence in a way, so I think taking some time to have some personal-life stuff go down, and also just work on some personal projects and stuff. I think it allowed us to come back at it with a renewed perspective and sort of renewed excitement about working with one another."

The new album is called Painted Ruins, and Grizzly Bear have been busy touring in support of it. In town for a show at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Grizzly Bear stopped at The Current for a session hosted by Mark Wheat.

A band with a new album out might be interested in what the reviewers say, but that's not so for Grizzly Bear. "We're more interested in how the crowds feel," says vocalist Ed Droste, "and the crowds have been really amazing on this tour, in Europe and in the States, it's been a blast to play. The audiences have been really enthusiastic and fun, and they seem to know the new songs as well as the old ones, which is cool to see."

Use the audio player above to hear the complete in-studio session with Grizzly Bear.

Songs Performed

"Losing All Sense"
"Cut-Out"
"Neighbors"
All songs from Grizzly Bear's 2017 album, Painted Ruins, available on RCA Records.

Hosted by Mark Wheat
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Corey Schreppel
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Luke Taylor

Resources

Grizzly Bear - official site

Gallery

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