This is likely to change in 30 seconds, but at the moment the hottest band buzzing around the indie-rock scene is Animal Collective. The group’s new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, is already generating reviews so glowing that it has probably secured its spot on many critics’ Best of 2009 lists.
So, what’s so great about this Baltimore band?
Keep reading as we listen to some tracks, sort through the facts and try to demystify this wild bunch. Did we mention that one of the guys is named “Panda Bear”? Yeah, keep reading.
With songs that often flow like languid jam sessions built around soft vocals and a blur of electronics, guitars and various forms of percussion, there doesn’t seem to be much separating these beloved indie-rock experimentalists from hippie jam bands (which are, of course, the arch enemies of hip rockers everywhere).
One of the few discernable differences is pedigree. Hate hippie jam bands trace their roots to the Grateful Dead and Phish. However, hipster friendly jammers like My Morning Jacket and Animal Collective have roots that are planted in the freak folk scene that took hold a few years back and spawned the likes of Devendra Banhart, Sufjan Stevens and Joanna Newsome, all of whom are either brilliant or atrocious depending on how high your tolerance for huggably cute songs, half-hearted pixie mysticism and harps is.
Making its official debut with 2000’s Sprit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished, the group’s line-up shifts freely, but the core typically consists of Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deakin (Josh Dibb) and Geologist (Brian Weitz).
Animal Collective’s ninth full length album, 2009’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, is off to a strong start, with songs such as “My Girls” racking up an unexpected number of hits on iTunes, and the band already scheduling high-profile appearances at festivals such as All Tomorrow’s Parties.
Fans of laidback musical journeys, smoke, dreamy electronic interludes and spacey harmonies are sure to latch on to the group’s eclectic psychedelic sound, while fans of three-minute pop songs may be left scratching their heads and laughing that a grown man would call himself Panda Bear.
We’re not sure Animal Collective is our thing, but we’d like to hear your thoughts on what makes the band so great (or not great, whichever the case may be). You can even check out an entire AC concert here.
Is Merriweather Post Pavilion the best record of 2009?
Or will the Animal Collective hype fade faster than Katy Perry?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
