3,5 / 5
Animal Collective have always been a band that defies easy categorization. Their eclectic and experimental sound has evolved over the years, from the freak-folk of Sung Tongs to the psychedelic pop of Merriweather Post Pavilion. On their latest album, Isn't It Now?, they continue to explore new sonic territories, drawing inspiration from Renaissance music, dub, and ambient. The result is a stunning and immersive record that showcases their creativity and versatility.
Isn't It Now? is the second album that Animal Collective recorded in 2019 at a cabin in Tennessee, along with their previous release Time Skiffs. However, while Time Skiffs was a more straightforward and accessible collection of songs, Isn't It Now? is a more challenging and adventurous work that requires multiple listens to fully appreciate. The album features some of the longest and most complex tracks in the band's discography, such as the epic 22-minute opener "Defeat", which shifts from a haunting drone to a euphoric climax, or the sprawling "Magicians From Baltimore", which blends medieval melodies with dub beats and distorted vocals. The album also features some of the band's most beautiful and tender moments, such as the piano-driven "Gem & I" or the closing track "King's Walk", which features guest vocals from Vashti Bunyan.
The album was co-produced and mixed by Russell Elevado, who has worked with artists such as D'Angelo, The Roots, and Kamasi Washington. Elevado's production adds depth and warmth to the band's sound, enhancing the rich textures and intricate details of each song. The album also benefits from the band's chemistry as a quartet, with each member contributing their distinctive talents and personalities. Avey Tare's expressive voice and lyrical imagery, Panda Bear's rhythmic drumming and harmonies, Deakin's melodic guitar and piano playing, and Geologist's atmospheric electronics all blend together seamlessly to create a cohesive and captivating whole.
Isn't It Now? is not an easy album to digest, but it is a rewarding one for those who are willing to dive into its depths. It is an album that showcases Animal Collective's artistic vision and ambition, as well as their love for music and experimentation. It is an album that challenges the listener to question their expectations and preconceptions, and to embrace the unknown and the unexpected. It is an album that asks: Isn't it now?
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