Centipede Hz
Animal Collective · 2012
53 min · 11 tracks · electronic music
A chaotic blend of electronic textures and organic melodies that invites listeners into a vibrant, surreal soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moonjock Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and layered instrumentation, encapsulating the experimental spirit that defines the record.
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Today's Supernatural — This track combines infectious hooks with abstract lyrics, representing the band's ability to fuse accessible pop elements with avant-garde sounds seamlessly.
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Applesauce — Featuring an engaging rhythm and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies the album's whimsical yet introspective nature, inviting repeated listens.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's complex soundscapes and experimental approach create a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a dense layering of sounds, with multiple electronic textures interwoven with live instrumentation across nearly every track.
- Vocal lines are often treated as another instrument, with harmonies and effects that blend into the overall sound rather than standing out distinctly.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore
- dynamic journey with peaks
- headphone detail hunting required
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward, catchy tunes
- prefer predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — The album represents a departure into more chaotic and challenging sounds.
- Themes
- surreal soundscapes· abstract urban chaos
- Career context
- Centipede Hz is Animal Collective's ninth studio album, following the acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion released in 2009. The band was exploring more experimental and challenging sounds, marking a departure from their previous pop-oriented approach. This album signified their return to a more layered and complex sonic palette, delving into their roots in avant-garde music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Panda Bear· Tame Impala· The Microphones
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Rosie Oh
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to addressing someone directly, creating an intimate connection with listeners.
Tracklist
- 1 Moonjock Start here 5:05
- 2 Today's Supernatural 4:14
- 3 Rosie Oh 2:55
- 4 Applesauce 5:34
- 5 Wide Eyed 5:00
- 6 Father Time 4:34
- 7 New Town Burnout 6:01
- 8 Monkey Riches 6:45
- 9 Mercury Man 4:18
- 10 Pulleys 3:30
- 11 Amanita 5:36
What to play next
Monkey Been to Burn Town
2013
Continues the experimental sound with fresh textures and playful energy.
Merriweather Post Pavilion
2009
Sets up a similar sonic landscape with vibrant melodies and electronic elements.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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