Is Isn't It Now? a good place to start with Animal Collective?

Yes, Isn't It Now? is recommended as a starting point for new Animal Collective listeners. Eclectic soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, blending experimental pop and art rock in a vibrant auditory journey. Isn't It Now? is Animal Collective's first album since their 2016 release Painting With, marking a significant return for the band after a seven-year hiatus. This album showcases their continued evolution in sound and experimentation, reflecting their journey through various musical landscapes while maintaining their signature avant-garde approach.

Who is Isn't It Now? for?

Isn't It Now? works well if you're into introspective journeys through sound, gradual build to immersive climax and kaleidoscopic textures for deep focus.

How many songs are on Isn't It Now??

Isn't It Now? has 9 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Isn't It Now?

Animal Collective · 2023

64 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

Eclectic soundscapes intertwine with introspective lyrics, blending experimental pop and art rock in a vibrant auditory journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soul Capturer Start here — This track opens the album with rich textures and a captivating melody, setting the tone for the experimental themes explored throughout.
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Defeat — At nearly 22 minutes long, this expansive piece serves as a centerpiece of the album, showcasing the band's ability to stretch musical boundaries while conveying deep emotional narratives.
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Magicians From Baltimore — This track is marked by its playful yet haunting arrangement, encapsulating the whimsical essence that defines much of the band's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and unique soundscapes but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more fluid arrangements.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the latter half introduces more varied pacing and dynamic shifts.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 0/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

introspective journeys through sound
gradual build to immersive climax
kaleidoscopic textures for deep focus
curiosity-driven exploration of ideas

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a hiatus, showcasing continued evolution.
Themes: experimental soundscapes· Baltimore whimsy· introspective journeys
Career context: Isn't It Now? is Animal Collective's first album since their 2016 release Painting With, marking a significant return for the band after a seven-year hiatus. This album showcases their continued evolution in sound and experimentation, reflecting their journey through various musical landscapes while maintaining their signature avant-garde approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Panda Bear· Tame Impala· The Microphones