Panda Bear
Sinister Grift
Domno [2025]
“A stunning fusion of classic rock warmth and avant-pop charm—Panda Bear embraces a bold new chapter.”
Album Overview: Noah Lennox, better known as Panda Bear, has built a reputation as a fearless and inventive musician over the past two decades. As the drummer and vocalist for Animal Collective, he quickly became known for his distinctive approach to sound and melody. His solo career has been just as impactful, with Person Pitch, Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper, and Tomboy standing as defining releases in experimental pop. Beyond his own records, he has collaborated with a range of artists, from electronic pioneers Daft Punk to indie innovators like Solange and Jamie xx. His ability to blend nostalgia with forward-thinking production has cemented him as one of the most influential figures in modern independent music. Sinister Grift, Lennox’s first solo effort in five years, finds him stepping into fresh yet familiar territory. Unlike his previous solo outings, which explored electronic textures and dreamlike soundscapes, this record presents a more grounded and immediate approach. Recorded in his Lisbon home studio with longtime friend and bandmate Josh “Deakin” Dibb, the album sees Panda Bear embracing a warm, rock-inspired sound. Contributions from Cindy Lee, Rivka Ravede of Spirit of the Beehive, and—for the first time on a solo release—all of his Animal Collective bandmates add to its richness. The result is a collection of songs that feel deeply personal yet universal, balancing introspection with an inviting warmth.
Musical Style: This time around, Lennox shifts toward an organic, full-band aesthetic, relying more on live instrumentation than layered electronic elements. While still maintaining his signature vocal harmonies and hypnotic loops, Sinister Grift leans into a raw, unfiltered sound that recalls vintage ’60s and ’70s recordings. Guitars shimmer and bend, drums carry an unpolished immediacy, and sunny melodies feel direct, almost conversational. The production retains a sense of space, allowing the songs to breathe in a way that sets them apart from his more densely arranged past work.
Evolution of Sound: While Lennox has always embraced change, this album represents a particularly notable shift. Earlier records reveled in lush, sample-based compositions and kaleidoscopic electronic explorations, whereas Sinister Grift strips things back to their essence. Recording with Dibb in an intimate setting allowed for a return to a more instinctual, hands-on approach—one that echoes the earliest days of his songwriting. By incorporating his full bandmates for the first time, he also bridges the gap between his solo and collective work in a way that feels both natural and long overdue.
Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners who appreciate the hazy yet structured songwriting of Broadcast, the off-kilter warmth of early Beck, or the bouncy, inviting spirit of Vampire Weekend may find a lot to like here. The record’s classic rock underpinnings also recall the more stripped-down moments of The Velvet Underground, with hints of Beach Boys-style harmonies. Meanwhile, its layered vocals and experimental edges—especially in the latter half—bring to mind the dreamier side of Stereolab. Fans of Spirit of the Beehive or Cindy Lee will likely resonate with its balance of beauty and unease.
Pivotal Tracks: “Praise” kicks off the album with a crisp snare hit and settles into a laid-back, swaying groove, while radiant vocal layers burst through, tinged with a subtle undercurrent of melancholy. “Ferry Lady” serves as a bright and immediate introduction to the album’s new direction, its melodic ease masking an underlying tension. The closer, “Defense,” featuring Cindy Lee on guitar, merges two distinct sonic worlds, resulting in one of the album’s most intriguing moments. Other highlights include “Anywhere But Here,” which showcases Lennox’s ability to craft melodies that feel both timeless and forward-leaning, with harmonies that envelop the listener while the instrumentation remains loose and inviting.
Lyrical Strength: Lennox has always had a way of conveying deep emotions with an economy of words, and Sinister Grift continues that tradition. His lyrics feel more immediate and relatable than in past work, carrying a clarity that enhances their impact. The songs reflect on uncertainty, resilience, and self-discovery without becoming heavy-handed, often relying on simple phrases repeated with intention to deepen their resonance. The record speaks to change and acceptance, capturing fleeting moments with poetic directness that lingers long after the final notes fade.
Final Groove: Sinister Grift is a bold yet natural evolution for Panda Bear, offering a refreshingly raw take on his signature sound. By trading dense electronic layers for a more immediate, full-band approach, Lennox creates a record that feels both intimate and expansive. The presence of his Animal Collective bandmates adds an exciting new dynamic, further blurring the lines between his solo and group work. Whether this marks a one-off detour or the start of a new chapter, Sinister Grift leaves listeners eager to see where Lennox ventures next.
PANDA BEAR REVIEW HISTORY
Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper (2015)
PANDA BEAR LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Domino
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