Animal Collective's Debut: Deeper Than You Think

Animal Collective's 2000 home-recorded debut, "Spirit They're Gone," is now remastered, offering a nuanced view of their early work. This release challenges the perception of the band beginning with unrefined noise, presenting a more ambitious and sophisticated foundation than previously understood.

The album, a collaboration between Dave Portner and Noah Lennox, demonstrates intentional artistry rather than mere youthful experimentation. It reveals that the band possessed a clear vision from their inception, contrasting with the intuitive approach sometimes attributed to their early sound.

"Spirit They're Gone" shares sonic similarities with 2005's "Feels," presenting an idiosyncratic rock album. Portner contributed vocals, guitar, and electronics, while Lennox handled drumming, with both members being underage at the time of recording.

Lennox's drumming is a standout, repurposing typical drum fills into atmospheric repeating sequences. His subtle, jazz-influenced style, utilizing brushes, contributes significantly to the album's unique texture and complements Portner's childlike lyrical themes.

The duo adeptly absorbed influences, including psychedelic folk and Jamaican rhythms, without direct imitation. This capacity for assimilation became a hallmark of Animal Collective's evolving sound throughout their discography.