Fall Be Kind EP
Animal Collective
Domino Records
4.5/5
Poppy and catchy are not synonymous, and Animal Collective proves this with their latest EP Fall Be Kind. The album, released digitally in late November, is full of hooks amidst its ambient haze and signature overlapping reverb-heavy vocals. This new record continues the band’s evolution, and is everything long-time fans could ask for.
With a less freak-folk and more apparent song structure, this is the Collective at its most accessible. For most bands this would mean a white-washed sound and an outcry from old fans, but Animal Collective has done the seemingly impossible – retain all integrity whilst creating music appealing to a larger audience.
It’s not that the band has drastically changed its sound, but rather it has been refined. These musicians (under the monikers Panda Bear, Avey Tare and Geologist respectively) have noticeably honed their craft and have continued sonically in the direction of their album last year, Merriweather Post Pavilion. This 27-minute record is the best way for a new fan to get into the band, and is a must listen for anyone into experimental indie.