Animal Collective's Ninth LP Will Shatter Expectations, Ripples to Extend Throughout Industry

All right, that headline was a bit much, I'll admit.

But without sounding tremendously hyperbolic, but with Merriweather Post Pavilion, the Baltimore-based group Animal Collective may have reached a potential career-defining landmark. Having been one of the lucky few who attended the first listening party in New York City this past October, I can assuredly say that MPP is pretty close to a modern masterpiece...an album that represents the culmination of over eight years of steady, collaborative progression from an intensely dynamic group of talented artists.

So far, two tracks off the record have slipped through the cracks. "Brother Sport" is a joyous and bright dance celebration, and also happens to be one of the most accessible tracks to date. "My Girls," easily the album's centerpiece, is a vibrant, pulsating number fueled by a stunning backbeat and unbelievable harmonies.

I'll be the first to highlight my absolutely gushing fanboyish nature when it comes to Animal Collective, but you can definitely expect Merriweather Post Pavilion to turn some heads when it drops this January, regardless of how people have previously felt about the group. It's a heavier, thundering dance album that may end up being revered as the band's crossover hit.

Animal Collective - "My Girls"