Animal Collective - Isn't It Now? (Album Review)

 

Animal Collective - Isn’t It Now?

(2023)

My copy: 2023 limited press on orchid vinyl by Domino.

As if Time Skiffs wasn’t enough of a resurgence for Animal Collective, Isn’t It Now? carries their momentum even further into an impressive new age for the neo-psychedelic puppeteers. Continuing with their full lineup, the group’s sound has matured and softened considerably in this era, from spasming and manic electronic thrill park rides to gentle and engrossing waves of sonic warmth. The change in energy is not necessarily a hindrance, rather it displays a side of the band that is heavily rooted in their reverence for more traditional rock setups. This is not to say that their new ideas are sterile or void of experimentation, as quite the opposite is true: now instead of the instrumentation or the song structures themselves being the very source of the uncanniness, Animal Collective are proving that they can mix intrigue into whatever formation they utilize, further reminding us that they are highly competent writers. While these songs have been highly anticipated by super fans who have collected their live bootlegs for years, the group ensures that there are many new surprises to keep the studio versions feeling distinct.  

Isn’t It Now? Shakes things up from Time Skiffs by relying either fully or almost fully on live recording sessions, and the proof is displayed in the first few moments of “Soul Capturer” where effect-laden guitars dance like foliage on a calmly bobbing tree. The song jangles about with a very human looseness that was mostly nonexistent on Time Skiffs. Of course the vocal harmonies are stellar, and the track continues in a steady rhythm only shaking up the melodies for a bridge that evolves into droning voices, harmonizing with the acidic flanger effects. The album shifts focus now to the slowly awakening “Genie’s Open” which rises into focus with assorted effects, like curious animals peeking from behind cover. The drums pick up and the bass bubbles into a waltz time; the music is jovial yet patient and restrained. The vocals call across channels as bits of minor tension flare up and are subsequently worked out. Metallic percussion then syncopates against cutesy music box melodies, carrying listeners into a dream until the rhythm is suddenly straightened out into a 4/4 beat. The nostalgic, shimmering synths and delayed vocal chirps call back to the earlier Animal Collective records, and it’s nice to see a focus on piano/key medlies again. 

“Broke Zodiac” then basks in tonal vibrancy, immersing itself in wisps of light, airy texture. The music is rich with layers and yet the live balancing is so masterfully done that the songs breathe peacefully rather than feeling cluttered. Their new focus on finding suitable bass tones is worth appreciating, as this piece of AnCo history features some of their most addicting bass grooves yet. “Magicians From Balitmore” feels like such an Avey Tare song in its tempered reliance on switching from loud to soft on a moment's notice. Panda Bear’s drumming gives life to the first portion of the almost ten-minute track, with a more noticeably heavy and mysterious mood. Drowsy keys bend over snappy drums, and the song takes off into its second half with triumphant piano. Avey’s performance brings the perfect level of emotion, as he touches on the state of the band’s hometown. The vocals eventually lather on Avey’s signature mix of wavering vibrato, calling back to earlier releases again. 

Then comes the long awaited “Defeat” sitting very strangely in the middle of the album. The often bootlegged fan-favorite has seen many permutations, finding its home on Isn’t It Now? as a 20-plus minute roller coaster with three main movements. The first setting is slow, melancholy and lush with twinkling keys and dramatically swelling bass. The individual instruments take turns rising to the surface, crowning the arrangement with flair, like children eagerly waiting in line to impress someone they idolize. The track then builds into the second movement, and while the chanting is a bit obvious and unnecessary, the payoff into what was once referred to as “The Not Suite” is a worthwhile crescendo. The drums maintain a rocking rhythm while the vocals drone, eventually making way for Geologists’s hurdy gurdy which injects a medieval regency alongside a peaking theremin. The final movement releases back into a soup of catharsis, and it does feel as though it takes too long to reach the final climax. The actual chorus of “Defeat” is a chilling duet for Avey Tare and Panda Bear, one that finally shrinks into meager submission, either like a child finally fading from a tantrum, or like an elder with enough wisdom to make due with their fears. 

The final stretch of the record collects the shorter tracks, kicking off with “Gem & I” which also featured as a more consumable single. The inquisitive synths and cavernous choral accompaniment are impressive, but the sugary sweet choruses push a bit too hard with what sounds to be marimba or something else of the sort. “Stride Rite” is a beautiful piano ballad making use of Deakin’s rich and deep vocal delivery. The track borders on romantic despite its sometimes remorseful tone, and colorful, calculated eruptions dot passages of piano arpeggios. Another sequencing concern arises as the off-kilter dance rhythms of “All The Clubs Are Broken” rises up following one of the more emotionally mature tracks, though the shuffled claps and glowing synths make this one a fun excursion. Strangely, the patience testing harmonies of “King’s Walk” close the record, ending on a bit of a sour note. The best aspect of the finale lies in the live production, given its personability and clever usage of silence - still, this is easily the worst track. 

Animal Collective have matured. The days of booming up-beat freakouts are seemingly gone, and yet the band couldn’t feel any more comfortable in their new outfit. If there’s one thing to learn as a long time fan of AnCo, it’s that they are reliably unpredictable. While Isn’t It Now? Seems to upgrade the more deliberate, psych-rock focused sounds of Time Skiffs, It’s also just as likely that they’ll soon depart from this style as well. If they venture out onto a different path, we can rest easy knowing that Isn’t It Now? Is an overwhelmingly present, aware and blissfully arranged collection of tunes.