As one of the few Animal Collective releases to feature all four members, Centipede Hz is bursting with more vibrant sound and rhythm than ever. But it also feels like the most democratic of the band’s albums yet, amplifying the contrast in each member’s style. The first obviously Panda Bear (Noah Lennox)-scribed tune, “Rosie Oh,” with its hypnotic tendencies, follows a suite of Avey Tare’s (Dave Portner) raucous tunes. “Father Time” upends the formula, as the looped, tropical melody that would normally cue Lennox makes way for Portner.
Centipede Hz also feels like Animal Collective’s White Album, with members experimenting with new roles and sounds. Panda Bear returns to a sit-down drum kit. Geologist (Brian Weitz) processes every sound, rather than contributing touches of effects here and there. Deakin’s (Josh Dibb) first vocal delivery comes with “Wide Eyed,” a murky tune that’s refreshing and curious. The song’s production resembles other tunes here, but Deakin’s delivery feels like some serious Ringo flotsam in a sea of Lennon/McCartney/Harrison gems.
This new route definitely yields bizarrely rewarding results and even reveals a few sonic cues. “Applesauce” actually recalls Chutes Too Narrow-era The Shins more than experimental influences. “Pulleys'” finds the band in near XTC territory, its swiftly arching melodies crammed with flourishing touches of sound and production.
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