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I’m writing this review before I read pitchfork. This review might be biased. Animal Collective is my favorite band. Meriweather Post Pavilion might be their best album. I’ve always been partial to Feels, even over Strawberry Jam. But the directions they are heading in are so exciting, it’s hard for me to sit still. In a few ways, MPP reminds me of Feels, they way it’s structured, and how it’s also a big step for the group. Feels was a huge pop improvement over Sung Tongs, bringing AC to a much bigger audience. At the same time it was very much their own style, a great combination of new and old, technology and sample work woven in expertly with traditional instrumentation. Feels started out strong, fast and exciting, with a few slower, introspective songs in the middle, then rounded it up with “Turn Into Something”. MPP follows a similar road map, starting out fast and then taking some time to reflect. The closer “Brothersport” is one of AC’s most danceable songs to date, and a crowd favorite.

After the Water Curses EP, I was pining to see what Animal Collective would do next. The direction they were headed was incredibly exciting to me. They delivered my expectations with Meriweather Post Pavilion.

The lower frequencies are explored on MPP more than any other release. The bass is apparent, a cavernous sound muffled at times, letting the listener explore its aftershock. Animal Collective has always buried bits of pop genius inside their thickly layered sound, and on MPP more of it comes through than ever before. I had the opportunity to see AC live this summer, and much of their time touring was spent perfecting this balance of crowd-pleasing dance-pop and forward-thinking sample-based songwriting. In terms of samples, MPP is in a league above Feels and even Strawberry Jam. I doubt that any other band could do what they have done here.

Personal favorites on the album include “In The Flowers”, “My Girls”, “Summertime Clothes”, “Bluish”, “Nomorerunnin”, and “Brothersport”. “In The Flowers” is a fantastic opener, building anticipation for the heavy sample dropped as Avey Tare asks if he could “leave [his] body for a night”. I get chills every time, the song fills any room. The version of “My Girls” is the best I’ve heard, and I have heard quite a few. “Summertime Clothes” is a great example of how Animal Collective can take a very dense sample-based song and make it something fun, swung, and danceable. It’s reminiscent of “Fireworks”. “Bluish” drips with Panda Bear’s influence, sounding a lot like the Beach Boys on acid. “Nomorerunnin” also is incredibly relaxing. “Brothersport” is an incredible sound. The shaker sample has a Brazilian swing to it, and the bass is just like a surdo, giving the song an fantastic Brazilian feel, parading as the perfect closer. 9.7!!!!