Watching Animal Collective’s show last Friday at Neumo’s, I was reminded of the disconnect that can exist between a band’s albums and their live shows.  I had been looking forward to the show for quite some time, as I had never before seen Animal Collective live, heard rave reviews of them from others who had, and thoroughly enjoyed not only Strawberry Jam, their latest, hot-off-the-press release, but also Panda Bear’s recent solo release Person Pitch.

The main difference between seeing Animal Collective live and listening to them at home?  At home, or on my iPod, I control the volume.  Not to be an old bastard, but I was a touch overwhelmed by the sheer loudness of the set.  Admittedly, this should not have been unexpected; I’ve been to plenty of other shows at Neumo’s that were louder than seemed necessary (and standing in any proximity to those huge hanging speakers–i.e. anywhere close to the stage–obviously contributes to the ear-blasting).  I even brought ear plugs, which, though they prevented that familiar day-after ringing, didn’t help to cut through the gut-rattling, filling-loosening bass thump that overwhelmed much of Animal Collective’s vast repertoire of subtler noises.  But maybe I just wasn’t on enough drugs.  Plenty of people were–like the guy next to me making shadow puppets on the back of another audience member and stroking another guy’s hair–and they all seemed to be really enjoying it.  Lesson learned?

All this is not to say that it was an unimpressive show; to the contrary, it was as mind-blowing as I had hoped.  I still don’t quite understand how three guys fiddling with knobs and switches perched above mountains of tangled cables can produce such a broad sonic palette and such coordinated, fluxing rhythms.  Even if I had the technical chops to understand exactly what they were doing, it would have been equally impressive.  Any complaints about electronics-driven live performances being less thrilling and dynamic than instrument-driven live shows don’t apply here, at least not in my opinion.  Although it was less apparent who was producing what sound, and how, there was no way not to be impressed by the technical skill and artistry required for three individuals to craft songs out of a mound of gear.

All in all, I’m glad I was there.  It wasn’t, for my personal tastes, an ideal show–I would have preferred a less rave-like environment–but it was still a memorable, thrilling performance.  I wouldn’t have missed it, but, on the other hand, I don’t think I would go again.