Paw Tracks

As new wave kings of the alt-bro consciousness, Animal Collective’s furry reign has not disappointed. Noah Lennox’s Panda Bear’s Tomboy is the latest all-purpose psychedelic decree. The hook-laden self-harmonies of surefire playlist cuts like “Friendship Bracelet” and “Alsatian Darn” are (as always) woozed to the max with reverb, a perfectly fine invitation for repeated listening and a practically generation-defining sound. Lennox further cements his reputation as the most benevolently accessible of the bunch, bouncing the expected beach-pop references ( “Surfer’s Hymn” ) and going deep with complex melodies and mysterious pulses ( “Afterburner” ) and beats/choruses that are one Kanye short of a genuine radio hit ( “Slow Motion” ). Only time will tell how the Animals’ echo-space kingdom will fare, but – for now – the skies are nothing but marmalade.