Animal Collective @ Capitol, Perth 17.12.09

I was thrilled upon the gig annoucement of one of the most hyped band of 2009, Animal Collective at Capitol, Perth. Without hestitation, ticket was purchased and the night finally came after long wait of excitement.

Support act Bachelorette warmed things up with her beautiful mass of layered loops and clever lyrics that leave the lasting impression this evening. The charm of Annabel Alpers is undeniable with her rather shy appearance and awkward chat.

Not long after, Animal Collective hit the stage, kicking off with #1 from their Strawberry Jam album, followed by What Would I Want? Sky and My Girls; the ever infectious single off their latest album Merriweather Post Pavilion. Performing before a painted background of a possessed mermaid-child, Animal Collective arrive in all their psychedlic genre-bending glory, filling the packed room with swirling sounds and echoed vocals.

Their set was more instrumental than vocal, with most of the time Avery tare, Panda Bear and Geologist pushing buttons of synths and loops. There are a number of unfamiliar tracks taken from the latest Fall Be Kind EP, which sadly seemed like they were draining the interest out of the crowd, noticable by the obvious increase in chatting and trips to the bar.

The encore consisted of two songs, their last song Brother Sport the latest release off the new album, leaving everything on a positive note. Walking out of Capitol, the though of "what just happened?" lingered. It’s been a night without many memorable moments and yet I was feeling completely exhausted and strangely satisfied. Awesome night.

Animal Collective - What Would I Want? Sky