Animal Collective Live In London

Last night I finally was privileged to experience the magic of Animal Collective live. The band (less Deakin) has been tweaking many of the tracks that eventually ended up on the brilliant Merriweather Post Pavilion. Since the ground-breaking album dropped on the 20^th of January AC has only done four gigs in the U.S. so very few Americans have heard their favourite Merriweather tracks live. I am fortunate enough to be studying in England and was able to catch them towards the end of their European tour at the HMV Forum in London.

As expected, the show was fantastic despite the poor sound quality at the venue. For those that don’t know, Animal Collective’s music is nearly impossible to define, but the terms most frequently used are psychedelic folk and noise rock. I would argue after last night that they are more of an avant-garde jam band—each song poured flawlessly into the next. When “Fireworks” gave way to my personal favourite “Brother Sport” I was in my absolute glory. The jungle dance “Brother Sport,” the last track off Merriweather and the best song of the year thus far, was the perfect way to end their set before taking the stage again for a phenomenal encore.

I’ve only begun listening to Animal Collective in the last year, but soon fell in love and like most of the blog-o-sphere began to feverishly anticipate the release of Merriweather. I fell in love with the album (like every other blogger), so I was pleased that the set list was very Merriweather­-heavy.

Animal Collective will begin touring in the states in May and will be performing at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia on May 12.

Set List:

Lion In A Coma (from Merriweather)

My Girls (from Merriweather)

Summertime Clothes (from Merriweather)

Slippi (from Here Comes the Indian)

What Would I Want Sky (Merriweather unreleased B-side)

Guy Eyes (from Merriweather)

Daily Routine (from Merriweather)

Also Frightened (from Merriweather)

Fireworks (from Strawberry Jam)

Brother Sport (from Merriweather)

Encore:

In The Flowers (from Merriweather)

Leaf House (from Sung Tongs)

If You're An Indie Kid...

You've probably heard of the redunkulous collaboration Dark Was the Night.

If not, well, enjoy