A Brief Guide to Indie Rock’s “Animal” Collective
No, I’m not writing another article on the idea that AnCo is the savior of modern indie music. That’s too cliché, nowadays. Instead, I will give a brief summary of all of the up-and-coming, popular indie acts that share similar animal names, so you can stop embarrassing yourself at upscale loft parties.
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The Bears
Panda Bear – stage name of Noah Lennox, founding member of Animal Collective. Highly anticipated follow-up to Person Pitch, due out later this year.
Grizzly Bear – during the last year, have become veterans of the indie scene and favorites of Jay-Z, among other relevant people. Check earlier posts for more on them.
Bear in Heaven – newest album, Beast Rest Fourth Mouth, given the Pitchfork BNM stamp of approval. Playing Hamden, CT in late June.
Bear Hands – only released an EP and a new single (What A Drag) thus far, but should get much more coverage after they drop a full length, which I’m sure will happen pretty soon. By the way, “What a Drag” is the name of the single, not my feelings on their lack of published material.
Minus the Bear – math rock outfit that I should know more about, but unfortunately I don’t. Played the Webster in Hartford fairly recently.
Mt. Bearington – New Haven based sextet that has been getting some press lately and is poised for a break out. Ironically enough, they will be doing some shows with Bear Hands in the near future.
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The Deer (and associated)
Deerhunter – full band of indie genius Bradford Cox, who has been playing solo lately as Atlas Sound. Collaborates with Panda Bear on occasion – I wonder what it would look like if a panda mated with a deer?
The Dear Hunter – seeming knockoff of the aforementioned group, and actually a spinoff of Boston band The Receiving End of Sirens. I know nothing more.
Deer Tick – indie folk band from Providence, RI. Very grungy, bluesy influence and one of the gruffiest voices you’ll hear today.
The Dears – Canadian band that’s been around since 1995, and features a rotating lineup of about 3409340 members.
The Antlers – former bedroom-musician-turned-kickass-rock-trio that has blown up since late last year. They make Emo seem like its still popular.
Crystal Antlers – Californian experimental rockers with a percussionist called Sexual Chocolate. He’s actually very nice.
Caribou – Canadian electronic musician/Ph.D. that just released Swim to nearly unanimous rave reviews.
