Animal Collective Drops Surprise EP, Defies Cool

Ten months after the release of Merriweather Post Pavilion, Animal Collective has returned with a surprising new EP titled Fall Be Kind. This five-song collection showcases the band's continued creative momentum, featuring tracks with unexpected sonic elements. The opening song, "Graze," incorporates a pan flute sample and a folk-dancing rhythm, demonstrating their disregard for conventional notions of cool.

Fall Be Kind, while orbiting the previous full-length, stands on its own with songs written before and during Merriweather's creation. "What Would I Want? Sky," a standout track, utilizes the first officially licensed Grateful Dead sample from "Unbroken Chain." This track blends Aquarian optimism with modern uncertainty, creating a warm and melodic listening experience that feels both natural and experimental.