Live Review: Animal Collective - Sound Academy, Toronto, Ontario

There are some shows that I've been to that have gave me a true sense of satisfaction, others that have made me drop my jaw in pure, and others that humble me with the performers sheer skill. Rarely have I had the chance to experience a combination of all three feelings in one night, but Animal Collective managed to do it. Boy did they ever.

I have seen the Collective once before, right before the release of Strawberry Jam. It was actually my first actual showgoing experience, so it holds a dear place in my heart. Naturally my anticipation was reaching ridiculous heights while waiting in the large crowd. The stage was already setup with tables that had white sheets over top of them and a giant background of the Merriweather album cover. After about half an hour of waiting in the venue, Grouper took the stage. Liz Harris, the single member of Grouper, played a beautiful set of folky ambience that maybe half the crowd appreciated. The music she played was very enjoyable, it's just coming on before Animal Collective perform their latest, I can see why some people weren't as interested in her as they should have been.

Grouper left the stage and the curtains closed. It was almost time! A fog machine was pumping smoke through the vents, obviously encouraging the crowd to contribute to the haze. After bearing through a couple songs played over the speakers, curtains finaly opened as the band of the night walked to their respective positions. A large inflatable ball with a projection on it hanging from the ceiling, had been added to the stage's arrangement. Animal Collective kicked off the show with a very unexpected song. "Chocolate Girl" from Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished was their opening, updated to the new MPP sound. Next was a new song that I've here is called "Blue Sky" or "What Would I Want Sky?". Either way, as projections of the word "God" flickered on the inflatable ball, the crowd began to rock to the oddly timed beat of "Blue Sky". After that, another surprise hit. The recognizable yell sample began to arise with a straight 4/4 beat, and Panda Bear began to sing: "try to tell me how to do it..." "Comfy In Nautica" was one of the highlights of the entire performance.

Over the course of the show, diehard fans of Animal Collective were rewarded with a 10 minute jam around "Firworks" and a reworked version of the old favourite "Slippi". Of course, the new favourites were played. "My Girls" worked the crowd to a fervor as it never achieved its full climax, and "Brothersport" was a truly aweinspiring moment as Avey Tare's and Panda Bear's complex vocal harmonies transferred flawlessly over into a live setting. After much cheering and yelled, this Toronto crowd got the band to come out play a mindblowing encore of "Chores" and "Summertime Clothes". Inbetween every song were transitional jams that tied the songs all together, morphing into eachother. There were times when the lights, the visuals, and the music gave such a sense of joy, it was almost overpowering. The songs would reach such heights that I would be distracted from dancing, and I would just have to stare at how three men could create such incredible sounds.

Once the curtains had closed and lights turned back on, we all walked outside to get some air from the stifling heat of the Sound Academy. We all sat down in awe and began to attempt to put our feelings about the show into words. I think Derek put it the best way: "That was... humbling."

-Lucas Thurston

Music Review: Merriweather Post Pavillion - Animal Collective

I'll say it right now. I am in love with Animal Collective. So far, by any of the changes they've made in their music, I have yet to be alienated. I admit though, "Winter Wonderland" from Strawberry Jam did have me worried. I mean it sounded just as weird as the Animal Collective I have grown to love, but there was something a little too poppy about it. That being said, Merriweather Post Pavillion has some of the best "pop songs" that have been written in years.

Now don't let that scare you away. Merriweather is still an acid trip and a half, it just happens to be fucking catchy at the same time. Many of the tracks just make you want to do more than just nod your head and shyly tap your feet. No, many of these songs don't ask, they demand you stand up and shamelessly dance infront of your family and friends. When the claps kick in on the chorus of the masterpiece that is "My Girls", it makes you wonder why this isn't played in every club across the nation.

"Brothersport" is yet another pop song on heavy hallucinogens. The song starts off with Panda Bear singing a catchy tune, then it moves into an experimental breakdown until the original tune finds its way back, slowly building and building, working itself into a fervor until it explodes into an enormous dance party in your headphones.

"In The Flowers" exhibits the giddy Animal Collective we are all accustomed to, with one of the most psychedelic synths I've heard in a while, and "No More Runnin'" is the slow moving chill-out staple of the album.

Panda Bear was quoted saying that he believed this is Animal Collective's best record so far. Do I agree? It's hard to say when a band changes their sound every album, but it's definitely up there. Merriweather Post Pavillion is perfectly produced, each song has sparkling highs and booming bass hits. Every piece of the album sonically jumps out and makes itself known. There isn't a track that could be called filler, each song fits onto the album without sounding too similar to eachother.

If you are going to listen to an album this year that has a man shouting "lyin' in a coma" make it this one.

Rating: 5/5

-Lucas Thurston