Animal Collective

Animal Collective / Atlas Sound
Koko, London
Thursday 22nd May

Atlas Sound wants to clear something up. "You know when I said Animal Collective were the shit, you knew what I meant right?" Worried that his statement may have a different meaning across the Atlantic, he looks relieved when the crowd nods in agreement. It's not only his enthusiasm that translates well tonight; his blissful songs were the perfect warm up for tonight's show. Accompanied a guitar and laptop he gently prepared the crowd with his spectral set.

While no one could ever accuse Animal Collective as being conventional, the continuing absence of guitarist Deakin from their shows has seen the ditch a 'traditional' live set up. Panda Bear and Geologist take their place on opposite sides of the stage; their heads constantly huddled over various samplers and electronics. From centre stage Avey Tare plays guitar, sings and manipulates sounds through a variety of effects units. Even Panda Bear's drumming duties have been reduced to the occasional use of a reduced kit. As strange as it sounds it seems more feasible to class Animal Collective as an electronic act these days, as a three piece they've shed their sound folk sound. Samples and drumbeats provide the spine of the music and when Panda Bear and Tare's vocals combine, the harmonies they create cause an outbreak of tingling necks amongst the crowd. It's a sound that resonates well not only in Koko's theatrical like walls, but also within the audience themselves. The Animal Collective live experience has taken on a shamanic like quality. I'd literally rather kill myself than use the expression "musical journey" but the feeling I had after tonight's gig was one I haven't had for a while.