Animal Collective is an American experimental rock band formed in Baltimore in 2003 — Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Geologist, and Deakin, collaborators since the late 1990s. Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009) is one of the most acclaimed indie records of its era; Sung Tongs (2004) is the freak folk gateway. Browse Animal Collective vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Animal Collective formed in Baltimore in 2003, though the four members had been collaborating since the late 1990s under various project names. The collective comprises Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Geologist (Brian Weitz), and Deakin (Josh Dibb), all of whom have also pursued solo work. The members do not always all appear on every Animal Collective record; the lineup varies by project. The group runs the Paw Tracks label, which has also released work by other artists.
Animal Collective's sound combines experimental rock, psychedelic pop, electronic, freak folk, and ambient music. Their recordings range from acoustic-leaning psychedelic folk (Sung Tongs) to electronics-driven pop (Merriweather Post Pavilion) to noise and ambient work. Their vocals frequently feature layered harmonies and sampled or processed elements.
Domino pressings of Merriweather Post Pavilion, Strawberry Jam, and Painting With have been issued in multiple anniversary editions, color variants, and box sets. Sung Tongs and Feels remain in regular reissue.
Listeners new to Animal Collective typically start with Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009) or Sung Tongs (2004).
