Animal Collective - “Time Skiffs”
The Baltimore-based indie group releases its 11th album. With their unique and colorful mix of experimental pop, psychedelia and indie rock, Animal Collective have achieved a cult status by now. From their left-field and obscure work of the early 2000’s, to their psychedelic magnum opus: "Merriweather Post Pavillion" in 2009, the band gained high praise. In the 2010's, the group released some decent records, but couldn’t reach that creative high again. With "Time Skiffs", all 4 members reunite again and create an uplifting and dreamy record. Rather than the hyperactive approach of 2016’s "Painting With" or the ambient influences of "Tangerine Reef" (2018), "Time Skiffs" embraces a grooving, percussive and colorful sound. With different kinds of percussion instruments, xylophones and sparkly synths, the songs have an exotic feel. From the psychedelic first two tracks to the euphoric ending of "Strung with Everything", the album is like a vivid dream that you wake up from every once in a while, only to be pulled back in. This is executed nicely on the first half of the tracklisting. Unfortunately, the so-so vocal performances and lack of memorable hooks on the second half, make it more of a snooze fest rather than the sonic trips that the band created in the past.
Best track: “Preston John”
Rating: 6,5
Released: February 4, 2022
Domino Records
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