No, they are not an animal rights group, nor are they a group of wildlife enthusiasts (well, maybe they are). Rather, Animal Collective is a Baltimore-based avant-garde, electro-rock outfit that has been commanding the indie world's attention with the release of this year's fantastically fun and innovative, Merryweather Post Pavilion (Domino).

The album being called the 'Best of 2009 ' by various hype outlets -- a bit presumptuous yes, but likely true -- is a decidedly more melodic affair than their previous efforts, and certainly one of the most original and fun records you will hear this year.

After breaking the hearts of many fans when they canceled a series of LA shows last month due to illness, the band (Avery Tare, Panda Bear and the Geologist) returned to deliver an electrifying performance at the sold-out Henry Fonda Theatre last night (2/26/09). It was a proper apology, as the wait for the rescheduled show made their appearance that much sweeter.

While their set-up is simple -- keyboards, synth, vocals and guitar -- their sound is anything but. Some tracks feature a heavy jungle beat ("Brothersport"), while some showcase a more electronic-pop sound ("My Girls "), and others are spacious and more ambient in nature ("Winters Love"). The interplay and vocal harmony of Avey Tare and Panda Bear is something of an amazement, their voices dancing and playing as instruments themselves layered atop a lush electronic atmosphere.

While the Fonda set was heavy on Merryweather tracks, the show also featured a handful of reworked tracks from older releases. Standouts include a hypnotic version of "Leaf House" and a version of Panda Bear's solo track "Comfy in Nautica."

Much like the erratic and spontaneous nature of their albums, their 90-minute set featured moments of extreme elation with the crowd dancing and jumping juxtaposed with moments of experimental ambiance. One constant, however, was the entertainment factor, which stayed at a high for the duration of the show.

The band will play another make-up show tonight at the Troubadour (also sold-out, sorry kids) before embarking on a world tour which finds them back in Los Angeles again at the end of May for a Wiltern date. Mark your calendar now, ou will not want to miss this show.

SET LIST
"Also Frightened" // "My Girls" // "Blue Sky" // "Slippi" // "Leaf House" // "Summertime Clothes" // "Guys Eyes" // "Lablakley Dress" // "Fireworks" // "Lion In A Coma" // "Brothersport" 

ENCORE
"Winters Love" // "Comfy in Nautica"

PHOTOS