Grizzly Bear played what they said would be their last headlining show for the foreseeable future last night at the Observatory North Park in support of their latest album “Painted Ruins”.

The San Diego crowd came out to see the band perform, even though it wasn’t officially sold out it felt and it sounded like it was and they made their presence felt.

The band sounded as good, or better, than ever. There is not a single musician that outperforms the other. Their chemistry is cohesive. From Ed Droste pressence, vocals, keys and guitar into Chris Taylor bass, saxophone and samples / loops to Christopher Bear impeccable drumming, all held together by Daniel Rossen and his piano, guitar and voice (quite possibly one of the best around).

This was the setlist:

Four Cypresses / Losing All Senses / Cut-Out / Yet Again / Fine For Now / Ready, Able / Mourning Sound / Sleeping Ute / Two Weeks / Foreground / Aquarian / While You Wait For The Others / Three Rings.

ENCORE.

Souther Point / Sun In Your Eyes.

This band is where we typically set the bar and start the argument that this is where “dream pop” got perfected. This might well be the quintessential American pop band of the XXI century so far. And we’ll gladly wait for them to return.

Words and Pictures by: Alfredo Tellez and Edith Morales.