Adam KennyPanda Bear’s back
Over the years, I’ve heard Panda Bear mentioned in a quite a few circles. From collaborating with Daft Punk to being a co founding member of Animal Collective. One of the most influential and celebrated bands of the 2010s. Animal Collective is where I am most familiar with Panda Bear, but after listening to Sinister Grift I’m surprised by how familiar his sound was whilst also bringing in some fun new ideas.
New Sound, familiar Bear
Animal Collective have a diverse catalogue to say the least. From Sung Tongs, to Strawberry Jam and all the way back to Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished – their sound has changed countless times whilst always remaining familiar. You could always tell it was Animal Collective. It’s no different here with Panda Bear. The album starts off with Praise. The layered vocals which remind me of neo soul (Lemon Twigs being a more modern comparison), but Panda Bear brings in that moderness with the pop instrumentals. The album art does not match the sound at all. It’s catchy and bubbly. I’d dare say it has a ska sound to it! Whereas the lyrics themselves…are ska-ndolous.
Divorce has never sounded so catchy
Panda Bear deals with his divorce throughout Sinister Grift. The funky electronic pop inspired choruses are actually moments of heartbreak. The juxtaposition of the music sounding like something you’d hear at a late night beach club but talking about something that would get you curling up in a ball. It’s like the Beach Boys talking about the bad summer days, but it’s still summer. The lyrics are blunt, to the point but there’s an almost ironic obnoxiousness to them. As if the most miserable person in the room is also the only person dancing, and dancing badly at that.
Post Marriage Weather Pavillion
Panda Bear is joined by Deakin, co founder of Animal Collective for much of this album and it’s clear. Bear was known more for sampling sounds as opposed to coming up with them, and I don’t mean that as a knock down. Panda Bear’s production continues to be some of the best in electronic pop and indie over the years. Deakin co-producing the album made me wonder why it’s not just an Animal Collective album at first, but this is very much Panda Bear’s work. From the hooks that don’t leave my head for days to the sonic explorations; Panda Bear is the brains behind this operation, Deakin is just a wonderful bonus to it all.
Animal Collective Thoughts?
Sinister Grift is a great return for Panda Bear (and Deakin). It’s polished, fresh and has come at a perfect time. It’s an album I imagine I’ll listen to many times on a hot summer evening. Be it to bemoan my tragedies or to just jump around for a little bit pretending I don’t hear Panda Bear’s. Either way, it’ll be in my album rotation for a while and I imagine a few songs making it into playlists down the line too.
