Animal Collective - Defeat (Album Review)

 

Animal Collective - Defeat

(2023)


My copy: 2023 limited single by Domino.


Animal collective likely fully understand the almost mythical status that fans have placed upon “Defeat” since its earliest live incarnations. Thus, deciding to precede Isn’t It Now?, an album titled after a core lyric in “Defeat,” with the 20 or so minute epic was a bold move aimed directly at ravenous fans who were now doubly excited. 

I recall wondering if “Defeat” would ever even come out sometime before Time Skiffs, and so when it finally came into fruition with the promise of a full new album, the sense of anticipation that comes with each new AnCo record set in once again. “Defeat” is just as grand as expected of anyone who’s heard its live rendition, if only stretched out just slightly thin. The first passage is so perfectly stormy - never becoming violent, but swaying calmly under dark clouds almost word for word stating “hold your ground” because as the lyrics denote: “This whole thing will also pass.” The music then builds to an elated, happy, driving groove as the moody storm seems to have been avoided. The final act of the story touches on the past and the relationship time has with creativity and expectations. Animal Collective are questioning the idea of losing their touch: “Isn’t it now? Defeat! Oh no not now” explains the anxiety of constantly trying to match what others believe is your best move, leaving you to feel destruction is imminent. Of course, this is also much more literally about the passing of time and that loss of childhood innocence and friendship that the band is ever interested in conveying. Animal Collective subvert any supposed obligatory defeat with ease on this one. 

The b-side is a live recording of “The Challenge” which is a solid insight into just how well-layered and mixed their live performances are. As for the song itself, it is a bit too soupy structurally, failing to settle into solid ground consistently until the track is nearly over. It contains some of Avey Tare’s most simultaneously dorky and convincing yodels, stretching out over the likely entranced crowd. “The Challenge” is essentially a chance for you to imagine what it’s like to be a test subject for the latest Animal Collective idea that hasn’t fully grown legs yet, all from the comfort of your home rather than pushed up against some unwashed drunk who swears he dropped acid with Panda Bear in Portugal. 

If you’re buying this single, it’s for “Defeat” really, and the song is well worth it. Unless you are a mega collector, I wouldn’t sweat missing out on “The Challenge.”


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