Animal Collective

Add Date: December 1

Artist: Animal Collective

Album: Fall Be Kind

Label: Domino

Genre: Experimental, pop

Comments: And now over to Pitchfork's Mark Richardson for a much more articulate review of Animal Collective's latest five-song EP, Fall Be Kind:

"Like their last three EPs of new material, Fall Be Kind exists in the orbit of the full-length that preceded it but it isn't defined by it. It's got songs written before and during the creation of Merriweather Post Pavilion, but they're songs that didn't fit that record for one reason or another. Given its fragmented genesis, it's surprising how listenable and of-a-piece Fall Be Kind is. "Graze" flows directly into "What Would I Want? Sky", a song that samples Grateful Dead's "Unbroken Chain" and is easily among the most warm, likeable, and melodic tracks Animal Collective have recorded...The final three songs are more abstract and dreamy.

"At 27 minutes, Fall Be Kind is short enough to invite another play once "I Think I Can" fades out, which means a return to that striking second half of "Graze". When a band tries something that shouldn't work and brings it off, it's a sign of confidence. Animal Collective's focus and general disinterest in looking over their shoulders obviously makes what they're doing that much more appealing. But the most interesting thing about them at this point may be that, despite all the great music they've been making the past few years, it's not hard to imagine them failing. They've honed their craft and become very good at what they do, but there still seems to be a desire to go to unfamiliar realms, and it's possible that wherever they head next will turn out to be place they don't inhabit as easily. There's still a sense of gamble with Animal Collective, nothing is fixed-- and that's exactly what makes them an especially exciting band."

That, and the fact that they know how to make incredible, incredible songs. If the album is dying as a format, Animal Collective is battling against the tide to prevent that from happening. Fall Be Kind is a wonderful bookend to January's unbelievable Merriweather Post Pavilion (and don't forget July's Summertime Clothes EP; Animal Collective, chill out, we can only process so much).

All the songs on here are great, but "What Would I Want? Sky" might be the most greatest-ist. Read the entire Pitchfork review here.