On tour for their first album in five years, headlining act Grizzly Bear performed to a packed show at ACL Live at The Moody Theater on Nov. 10.

By Iris Bilich

During the weekend long festival Sound on Sound, fans from around Austin eagerly anticipated seeing Grizzly Bear live after years without new music. Despite a cancelled festival, the Grizzly Bears individual show was well-attended. The band’s alternative rock is highly revered and they performed a rich show to a crowd of emotional fans. For hours prior to the show, a steady stream of people entered the venue and many ran up looking for last-minute spare tickets.

Started by lead singer Ed Droste’s solo efforts, Grizzly Bears success took off with four albums from 2004 to 2013. Their fifth album, “Painted Ruins,” was released in August of this year to worldwide acclaim. “‘Painted Ruins’ is Grizzly Bear’s most synth-heavy and beat-driven album to date,” Pitchfork says. “Perhaps what sticks with you most is the lyrical imagery, with [band member] Rossen cooing about city street noise.”

Many fans have supported the band since their early years and still appreciate the growth and development in their discography. The band’s music now relies on heavy instrumentals to help convey the emotional depth and value in their lyrics.

The show began with “Four Cypresses” from “Painted Ruins.” The heavy beats that start the song set the mood for the show: moody, textured and impressionistic. With atmospheric and emotional music, audience members of a Grizzly Bear show get lost in the ranging synths and evocative vocals. Despite being on tour for their most recent album, the band played older hits like “Yellow House” and “Two Weeks.” Swaying in the strobe lights, fans of Grizzly Bear were fully involved in the music throughout the set.