Animal Collective

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Band Timeline

1999

Formation and Early Collaborations

Animal Collective originated from childhood friendships among David Portner (Avey Tare), Noah Lennox (Panda Bear), Brian Weitz (Geologist), and Josh Dibb (Deakin) in Baltimore County, Maryland. Before officially forming the band, the members played music together in various groupings, experimenting with psychedelia, freak folk, and noise. In 1999, they established the record label Paw Tracks, which became central for releasing their own early works as well as those of other experimental artists. This year marks the start of their collaborative efforts under the collective ethos that would define Animal Collective.

2000

Debut Album Release: Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished

Animal Collective's first album, Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished, was released in 2000 under the Paw Tracks label. Primarily a collaboration between Portner and Lennox, this album introduced their experimental sound blending loops, drones, and unconventional vocal harmonies. Its unique mix of psychedelic and folk elements set a foundation for their evolving style. Though not initially widely known, this debut would later be retroactively included in the band's official discography as they formalized their collective identity.

2003

Official Band Formation and Here Comes the Indian Album

In 2003, Animal Collective officially formed as a band with all four core members—Portner, Lennox, Weitz, and Dibb—coming together for the album then known as Ark, later renamed Here Comes the Indian. This marked a significant milestone as it unified their previous collaborative efforts under one banner. The record showcased an eclectic mix of psychedelia, noise, and experimental pop, emphasizing their signature use of vocal harmonies and sound collage. It represented a more deliberate and cohesive artistic statement from the group.

2007

Breakthrough with Strawberry Jam

Animal Collective released Strawberry Jam in 2007, which became their first album to chart on the Billboard 200. This release reflected a more accessible yet still experimental sound that attracted wider attention. The album was praised for its energy and blend of electronic, noise, and pop elements, solidifying the band's reputation in the indie and experimental music scenes. Strawberry Jam marked a turning point, expanding their audience and bringing critical acclaim, further establishing their place as innovators in contemporary music.

2009

Merriweather Post Pavilion and Commercial Success

In 2009, Animal Collective released Merriweather Post Pavilion, widely regarded as their most commercially successful and influential album. It reached number 13 on the US Billboard charts and garnered significant critical praise for its reverb-heavy psychedelic pop sound. The album's innovative production, catchy melodies, and hypnotic rhythms influenced much of the independent music that followed in the 2010s. Merriweather Post Pavilion remains a landmark album that enhanced the band's global profile and artistic legacy.

2010s

Evolving Collective and Lineup Flexibility

Throughout the 2010s, Animal Collective continued to operate as a flexible collective with rotating involvement from members, particularly with Josh Dibb (Deakin) taking intermittent breaks from recording and touring. This approach allowed the band to evolve and experiment continually, incorporating new sounds and collaborators. Despite changes in participation, Animal Collective maintained their experimental spirit and influence on the broader music landscape, reinforcing their reputation as pioneers of independent and avant-garde rock.

Albums

Here Comes the Indian

Merriweather Post Pavilion

Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Geologist

N/A

Avey Tare

N/A

Brian Weitz

N/A

Dave Portner

N/A

Deakin

N/A

Panda Bear

N/A

Story of Animal Collective

Animal Collective: A Sonic Tapestry Woven from Psychedelic Threads

Animal Collective, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, is an American experimental pop band renowned for their sonic exploration. The band's core members, Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Geologist (Brian Weitz), and Deakin (Josh Dibb), have woven together a rich tapestry of sound, blending psychedelic textures, freak folk, noise, and electronica. Their signature style is characterized by the masterful use of loops, drones, sampling, vocal harmonies, and sound collages, creating a truly unique and immersive listening experience.

AllMusic's Fred Thomas aptly described Animal Collective as the "face of independent experimental rock" during the 2000s and 2010s, highlighting their influential impact on the scene. The band members, who met during their school years, embarked on a musical journey from a young age, collaborating on various projects. In 1999, they established their own record label, Paw Tracks, which launched their debut album, Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished (2000), and featured work from other artists.

Their 2007 album Strawberry Jam marked a significant milestone, becoming their first to chart on the Billboard 200. However, it was their 2009 follow-up, Merriweather Post Pavilion, that truly catapulted them to commercial success, reaching number 13 on the US chart. This album, with its reverb-laden psychedelic pop, proved highly influential to independent music over the next decade, solidifying their position as sonic pioneers.

While the name "Animal Collective" is synonymous with all four members, their collaborative process has evolved over time. Early collaborations between Lennox and Portner eventually led to the official formation of the band when all four members joined forces for the album Ark (originally titled Here Comes the Indian) in 2003. Most of their earlier collaborations have since been retroactively categorized under the Animal Collective discography, showcasing the collective's rich and ever-evolving artistic journey.