Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam

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By Laura Cooper

Animal Collective is not a band I would normally go to for deep lyrical meaning or self insight, but the band’s latest record, Strawberry Jam, released on Sept. 10, shows definitive growth as musicians and most strikingly, lyricists.

This New York-based, freak-folk band’s previous albums are full of melodic, maniacal changes and unintelligible lyrics, while, Strawberry Jam is reminiscent of a childhood sugar rush, rampant and sudden in the beginning, but eventually spiraling into a brick wall.

The album begins with “Peacebone,” complete with electronic backing, borderline circus music and the band’s signature screeches that fans have come to love and expect. The accompanying video resembles what lead singer Avey Tare’s acid trip might be. Animal Collective embraces phallic images and twisted fairytale-like characters that make the video fitting for the album.

“Unsolved Mysteries,” tells the epic story of a shark, and other strange tales that make for the album’s most fun and immature track.

“Fireworks” reveals Animal Collective’s ability to add depth to their music. The song creates a sense of happiness that is reminiscent of a summertime party, and proves true to their experimental pop sound.

Though the album is short in length, what it lacks in track time it makes up for in meaning. Animal Collective managed to come back strong after band member Panda Bear’s widely received solo album, Person Pitch. It seems the departure of Panda Bear strengthened the bond and music of this innovative group.

For longtime fans of Animal Collective, the new record is a departure from their mold, but a surprise and chance for renewal. All the songs on the album work together to tell a story, unlike records before it. The album, which is named for a single serving-sized packet of strawberry jam, is just what Animal Collective was trying to achieve – a sugary and intensely energetic sound.