Animal Collective

OK here it goes. How to describe Animal Collective? This is music which at first listen is strange, celestial and confusing. Repeat listens to their latest and seventh album “Feels” reveal psychedelic soundscapes and songs that recall early Mercury Rev with a unabashed, adolescent charm and slighty silly lyrics with endearing lines like “Sometimes I’m talkative and Sometimes I’m not talkative. HALLELUJAH!!!“, supported by what I can only describe as yelping backing vocals.

They definitely seem to occupy a musical terrain removed from most yet it is one that is inventive. When I first listened to “Feels”, I didn’t know what I thought about it. But a few days later I put it on again and again and haven’t stopped yet. It’s music that seeps into the brain and doesn’t let go. I’ve found myself singing some strange melodies over the past week. Give it a spin and let me know what you think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfpIAu7Fymg

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Artists

Animal Collective

Niall Byrne

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.