Here Comes The Indian

 

 

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About halfway through the first song of "Here Comes the Indian," it becomes pretty obvious just where the name comes from -- it takes on the form of a psychedelic tribal chant.

Animal Collective was only just using that name when they put out this eerie collection of experimental music, which sounds a lot like some sort of ancient ritual captured on tape. Sights, sounds and smells are all evoked by sound alone, and while it's not very accessible, it is entrancing if you're open-minded (or stoned).

It opens with "Native Belle," which begins with an almost inaudible tapping. A wavering violin joins in, along with the sound of voices murmuring so softly that they merge into a white-noise hum. Then the song begins. Stops. Begins again, as a clashing, swirling mass of eerie voices, wild rhythms and mad drumming.

After that, the band explores other kinds of experimental music -- rapid-fire drumming that ends with soft chants and handclapping, stately buzzing soundscapes bursting with odd noises, and the sound of howling, ghostly voices over a heavy wash of synth. The perfect Halloween song.

"Two Sails on a Sound" is deeply unnerving with its dark piano and nature noises, which make you feel like you're adrift on a dangerous river. It ends with a clashing tribal-rock number overlaid with distorted voices, and finally with the buzzing, shifting balladry of "Too Soon," which blossoms out into a bizarre hallucinatory sound.

Well, "Here Comes the Indian" is not a bounce-your-bottom-while-you-drive kind of album. The Animal Collective had already done other experimental albums (under different names) by the time they put this out -- except this one has a cohesive theme.

Sit back and visualize fires, dark forests, fast-flowing rivers, cave paintings, and that wintry dawn sky. Fuzz guitar and tribal drums form the basis of this music, along with thick, gauzy synth that seems to muffle the music. And they pepper it with all sorts of sounds -- quacks, dripping water, crickets, and eerie vocals that never quite form words.

With a primitive catchiness and wild energy, "Here Comes the Indian" is a pretty vibrant experimental album. Just don't expect to be able to dance to it.

Just giving my stars. Just a message to all those who beleive there is are people who listen to music just "because no one else can," and that that would some how make them cool. The people who like this "unlistenable" music are not at all concerned with you. Go listen to your Billy Joel, we won't criticize you for it.

I have been continually enthralled by this group, from the first time I saw one of their ritualistic and explosive performances at the Tonic. This is one of the few groups coming out of the brooklyn noise scene that, I feel, and I hope, will have some serious staying power. there is something going on this album and all their albums that is vital beyond any change in fashion. inspiring sh-t.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Uneasy Listening of Beauty
This year marks the beginning of my association with four Brooklyn musicians known currently as the Animal Collective and Campfire Songs. Read more

Published on Oct 31 2003 by M. Starr

5.0 out of 5 stars so beautiful yet so... messed up
its too bad edward randomcircle didnt "Get It" anyway i just wanted to contribute my stars. so here is a Pitchfork media review because they describe it better than i ever... Read more

Published on Sep 18 2003 by Drew Dahle

1.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece my assterpiece
After reading several good reviews, I bit. Maybe I just don't get it (it certainly wouldn't be the first time) but this is nearly unlistenable. Read more

Published on Aug 19 2003 by Edward Randomcircle

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Frightening
Once again, Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deaken and The Geologist (who actually sat this one out) have created a beaufitul mix of tribal saga and noise-pop glory. Read more

Published on July 10 2003 by Ryan A. Detwiler

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