Released: 2012
Genres: Neo-Psychedelia, Psychedelic Pop, Indietronica
The Musiquarium’s Centipede Hz. Review Score: 3/5
Animal Collective follow-up their magnum opus with the noisy and confusing Centipede Hz.
By 2009, Animal Collective were one of the most prestigious indie acts in America, with a string of critically-acclaimed releases and the backing of major publications. From the curious freak folk of Sung Tongs to the lush, psychedelic soundscapes of Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective were displaying exceptional musical growth and progressively mastering a blend of pop and experimentalism.
On Centipede Hz., after nearly a decade of evolution and gathering momentum, the Animal Collective train begins to slow down. This album is far from a failure, but it also doesn’t match the heights of Feels, Strawberry Jam or Merriweather Post Pavilion, and the band’s brand starts to lose its charm. The harmonies between Avey Tare and Panda Bear also start to betray the ears, leaving the listener with somewhat of a sour taste, something that did not happen as easily during their run from 2004-2009.
Moonjock throws you directly into industrial chaos, where Animal Collective’s style of neo-psychedelia is injected with the harsh sounds of radio static. Today’s Supernatural is a highlight, with synthesizers that warble like a wavelength. Monkey Wrenches is built around a rather annoying loop that starts to get grating early on. Wide Eyes is known for being the first song to feature Deakin on vocals, though he doesn’t make much of an impression next to the far more capable Avey Tare and Panda Bear.
Centipede Hz. might share some of the characteristics of its immediate predecessor, but it’s just far less appealing as an album, unable to recapture the same vibrancy in sound. It’s a perfectly fine, if not slightly boring album, that sounds like the band that had used up most of its magic.
For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Animal Collective on Discogs.
Back to the 2012 Album Guide or the Animal Collective Reviews page.
Written by Brett Nippard