Animal Collective - Fireworks (Domino)
5/5
Odd, considering Strawberry Jam is being hailed as their most accessible to date, but Animal Collective are becoming increasingly difficult to listen to, at least with any degree of objectivity. Surrounded by an impenetrable critical force field, it's a lucky person that can access their music without having had the hyperbole of over-excited fanboys (and they're always boys) forced down their throats. In the words of St Hubbins, there's "a bit too much f**king perspective" going on and frankly, I'd rather make my own mind up.
So, why contribute to the over-subscribed discourse around the band? Well, rather predictably 'Fireworks' is just a bit too great to ignore. It's the kind of song Paul Calf would've once likely offered outside for being too 'student-y', but now that most students drive brand new cars and listen to The Enemy, he might need to rephrase his appraisal. And he wouldn't be alone in struggling for epithets.
Animal Collective have long been carving out their own distinctly 'other' niche, but rarely have they stumbled on such an outrageously joyous melody and insistent groove as on "Fireworks". They've more in common with the non-musical world then with any of their peers, such is their prism like quality. Hold it up to the light and all you'll find is new tangents to explore. What does it sound like? Possibly: New York in song as directed by Adam and Joe; an effervescent mistress with bloodstained knees; Stephen King's It as played by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; riding a bike for the first time and actually bloody pulling it off; something so stupid it's clever. Or the other way around. What does it sound like? It sounds good.
F**k the tastemakers. F**k this review. But don't f**k the Animal Collective. Those critters are for loving.
Watch the video to 'Fireworks' HERE.
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