Animal Collective have released a whopping new single called "Defeat" — the 22-minute song was recorded with Russell Elevado and is described as an "unapologetic ode to perseverance and hope."
"Defeat" plays like a suite of interconnected tracks, shifting between diaphanous washes and more full-blooded passages. "What have we become?" Avey Tare sings at one point over the shapeshifting music, which features violinist Samara Lubelski, cellist Leila Bordreuil and sax player Ben Chapoteau-Katz.
"Defeat" will be released as a limited edition 12-inch on August 25, and it'll feature the vinyl-only improvised B-side "The Challenge (Live Edit)." "The Challenge" has only been played in front of a live audience, originating as an unrehearsed intro to the song "Strung with Everything" performed during the band's tour last year. The recorded version that appears on the 12-inch was collaged together from 11 different shows between March and September of 2022.
"The only time it was even discussed was after shows late in the touring cycle when it took on its own identity," Geologist said in a statement. "'How did we feel about the "Strung" intro?' often provided the answer to 'How was the show?' But the discussion always ended at what happened that night, without any detailed critique, and never with how it might happen the next. We became aware the same discussions were happening amongst our fans, who were recording, uploading and listening to the shows each night. They took notice and named the section 'The Challenge.' This edit is for them."
Listen to "Defeat" below.
"Defeat" plays like a suite of interconnected tracks, shifting between diaphanous washes and more full-blooded passages. "What have we become?" Avey Tare sings at one point over the shapeshifting music, which features violinist Samara Lubelski, cellist Leila Bordreuil and sax player Ben Chapoteau-Katz.
"Defeat" will be released as a limited edition 12-inch on August 25, and it'll feature the vinyl-only improvised B-side "The Challenge (Live Edit)." "The Challenge" has only been played in front of a live audience, originating as an unrehearsed intro to the song "Strung with Everything" performed during the band's tour last year. The recorded version that appears on the 12-inch was collaged together from 11 different shows between March and September of 2022.
"The only time it was even discussed was after shows late in the touring cycle when it took on its own identity," Geologist said in a statement. "'How did we feel about the "Strung" intro?' often provided the answer to 'How was the show?' But the discussion always ended at what happened that night, without any detailed critique, and never with how it might happen the next. We became aware the same discussions were happening amongst our fans, who were recording, uploading and listening to the shows each night. They took notice and named the section 'The Challenge.' This edit is for them."
Listen to "Defeat" below.
