Animal Collective at the Brixton Academy

Animal Collective at the Brixton Academy

21 August, 2009
by: Gina Louise

Having had some dubious experiences in Brixton in the past, I was somewhat apprehensive about seeing Animal Collective there. After bypassing a pub of old men drinking Stella and stroking their knives, we settle for a rather swanky establishment (i.e. the toilets have doors on them) and I begin to think that maybe I have been a little too quick to judge. Half an hour later and I am Brixton’s biggest fan.

Arriving outside the O2 Academy Brixton I manage to avoid the usual influx of drug pushers that form the habitual welcoming party, and after a quick queue at the bar the lights begin to dim. My polite attempt to sneak to the front is greeted with a sea of happy faces, and I am welcomed into the euphoric atmosphere that is building already. Though the crowd are a happy bunch, they remain fairly placid throughout the gig: it’s all about soaking up the music.

The experimental trio make a somewhat humble entrance on stage, and don’t wait for a rapture of applause before beginning with their set. They’re an odd bunch to look at, what with Avey Tare’s trucker hat, Panda Bear’s ‘I haven’t grown into my jumper’ look and Geologist’s head light. It’s a bizarre coalescence of hip hop, indie and mine-shaft worker, but it works. Avey Tare begins with his trademark ethereal vocals, and the beat soon kicks in, with a few synthy pop sounds thrown around as well.

They start off with a couple of their older tracks, and throughout the gig they don’t concentrate too heavily on the more accessible 'Merriweather Post Pavilion', instead picking a selection from across their huge back catalogue. Though it’s not long before they bust out the tropical sounds of 'Summertime Clothes'. Unfortunately it coincides with a bit of an ill-timed trip to the bar, though I manage to make it back for the equally as great 'My Girls'. Despite playing a few of their hits, they sadly omitted to play 'Peacebone', one of my personal favourites. Even though I am an avid Animal Collective fan, a few of their songs escaped my recognition, and it was rather a pleasant surprise to hear some new material.

As their set draws to a close there is an impending sense of dread, and when they leave the stage the audience are literally devastated. Their placid foregoing mood is replaced by a raucous demand for an encore, and as Animal Collective walk back on the audience comes alive, jumping all over the joint. It is only now that I notice the lack of optical effects and crazy lighting effects. When the music is this good, you simply don’t need all that fancy jazz.

The transition between songs is flawless, and without pause for breath another onslaught of ripping vocal moans from Panda Bear and an occasional beat box from Avey Tare ensues. Their sound is somewhat different to their recordings; equally as polished, yet something is definitely added in the transition from record to live performance.  I always knew that Animal Collective would be immense, but they exceeded even my incredibly high expectations. Possibly one of the best live music acts I have seen to date, and I am a tough cookie to please.

Click here to see all London live music.
Click here to see all London indie music.
Click here for things to do in Brixton.

Gina Louise