Asif Khan Inc.

Campfire Songs – Animal Collective

The Animal Collective has steadily grown in stature as one of the most avant-garde electronic acts. Much of the credit for this goes to their last release, “Merriweather Post Pavilion”, which has constantly been creating waves since the time it came out. But the Baltimore based band still seems to hark back to the time when fame was something which was still a few light years away. They have of course evolved a few generations since that time, but then it does make for an interesting listening session when you happen to go through “Campfire Songs”, which is a reissue of their earlier album. The album was recorded in a fairly unconventional method, outside the confines of the four walls of an acoustically designed studio. They took off with their musical instruments and aspirations and set themselves upon a porch on a presumably cold winter morning, which probably explains the name of the album. In fact they even succeeded in making those songs to have the right mix of ingredients to make a campfire get together in winters quite enjoyably warm. “Queen in my Pictures” is subliminally satisfying with a virtually non existent presence before it actually comes to your knowledge – perfect for getting the party in the right mood. The dreaminess continues on “De Soto De Son”, which interweaves itself continually between light and dark. Vocals also play a game of hide and seek. “Two Corvettes” intersperses with its other worldly vocals and “Moo Rah Rah Rain” plays pitter patter with its whispers. Some of the best moments on the album are present within the most painful ones. Bemoaning the loss of a favourite pet, “Doggy” contains an overbearing quality which conveys a sad counterpoise, yet conflictingly doesn’t crush you. Recording it on an open porch has added a feeling to the album which is quite familiar, with the ambient sounds in their surrounding landscape finding their way in between the tracks. For those who are their fans because of “Merriweather Post Pavilion”, this is essential. And if you have been unfortunate yet, this is good enough to convert you too.