Yes, it is brilliant. Despite the critical hyperbole threatening to overtake the release of Animal Collective's ninth studio album, its quite justified. 'Merriweather Post Pavilion' takes the loose membered group on another tangent, somewhere closer to drummer/vocalist Panda Bear's solo album 'Person Pitch', as ambient electronics become awash with West Coast harmonies and sound effects. Although the band play down "The Brian Wilson Influence" its undeniable its been a factor in shaping the album, however to tie it down to one reference point would be unfair. Despite this being heralded as Animal Collective's *POP* album, its definitely their most accessible, 'Merriweather Post Pavilion' is still resolutely leftfield in nature. As either an introduction to Animal Collective or the latest chapter in the band's ever moving sound, this is an excellent album.
Buy at Rough Trade and get a strictly limited, rare and exclusive mix cd, mixed by Animal Collective just for Rough Traders featuring Erykah Badu, Kode 9, Vladislav Delay, Grouper, Justin Heathcliff and more.
