The new full-length from Animal Collective's Noah Lennox (a/k/a Panda Bear) culls together previously released 12" and 7" singles with some new tracks. Of course, some of the trademark elements of Animal Collective are present, but Panda Bear as the solo artist draws a line between Brian Wilson and Arthur Russell, making ecstatic and pastoral songs that wash over the ears, body, mind and, yes, soul of its listener.

Though the world may be anticipating the arrival of the next Animal Collective album, those that know the deal have their ears perked awaiting the new full-length from core member drummer/guitarist/vocalist, Panda Bear (a/k/a Noah Lennox). Judging from the glimpses he'd given us into his, um, personal style of music making via two 12"s and the excellent "I'm Not" / "Comfy in Nautica" single, Person Pitch turns out to be what we might have expected. (Never fear if you've missed the above-mentioned 12"s and single, they're included here.) It's definitely a fuller and richer listening experience that's different from his previous acoustic-based album, Young Prayer. Of course, some of the trademark elements of Animal Collective are present, but why shouldn't they be? But where his AC partner Avery Tare plays the musical son of Kurt Cobain, and is a worthy heir, Panda Bear as the solo artist draws a line between Brian Wilson and Arthur Russell, making ecstatic and pastoral songs that wash over the ears, body, mind and, yes, soul of its listener. The music is hazy, ethereal, fragile and childlike, and yet there's still structure -- it's engaging and quite beautiful to say the least. I've had a copy for about a month now and I'm still listening to the album, again and again; it's that special.

Yes, Person Pitch may confuse you, as the multiple layers of vocals are enshrouded in effects, but after repeated plays, the smoke begins to clear, and the ever-present light truly shines. You want to know what he's saying behind the thick reverb, but at the same time, not being able to understand is the lure. It draws you in even further, as Lennox's cascading chorus of voices loop and spiral through an emerald forest, riding sound design waves created from samples, ambient sounds, guitar and drums. There are a lot of influences and references that could be made, and Lennox generously lays it all out in the liner-notes, so I'll let you discover it for yourself -- you will no doubt be surprised. All I can say is that if you do one thing this year, listen to Person Pitch, I'm sure you'll be glad you did. My only complaint is that it's too short, seven songs at forty-five minutes. Then again, maybe that's the allure, leaving you wanting more. If so, his strategy worked. [DG] (March 22, 2007)