Bleep

Animal Collective hit double figures with their tenth (!) album Painting With, a twelve track release that brilliantly continues the lucid trail of dazzling indie-psych for which the group has become known. Recorded in the same Hollywod studio where Brian Wilson recorded Pet Sounds and Smile, there is without a doubt some of Wilson's influence soaked into the LP's sunshine grooves, but there are also elements unseen before from the collective. Described by the group as "our Ramones record" basically they rallied against having any long outros or build ups and instead sought to approach the album with an array of perfectly formed, straight-to-the-point psychedelic tunes (and from listening to this on repeat over the past few weeks we can confirm this has been achieved to great effect!)

The twelve tracks tread new ground for the group while keeping the experimental licks they are best known for deploying, but still the vibe throughout is seething with playful ideas with a sensibility of well crafted songs tightly recorded that evoke new waters of a somewhat mainstream indie sound that isn't afraid to enter more trippy scenarios. Rich in texture and with a highlight guest appearance from the Velvet Undergrounds John Cale, Painting With is a fun indie record and while it won't be for everyone, those who dig in will find it carries a rich sensibility that sounds quite unlike anything out there but keeps the touchstones of nothing else than a sure to be considered classic Animal Collective LP.