Animal Collective is old now, and that’s okay. The experimental psych-folk group has done a lot of maturing, constantly crafting beautiful soundscapes that appeal to their devoted audience. The band’s latest album, Painting With, brought the band to Portland and a sold-out crowd to the Roseland Theater on Saturday night.
Their support act, a New York hip-hop trio known as Ratking, made for an unexpected start to the evening. Ratking’s sound was minimal, looping sample beats while synchronizing hits to a synth pad. Patrick Morals, AKA “Wiki,” slang lyrics at the audience, the delivery resonating in small pockets throughout.
RATKING
Animal Collective hit the stage draped in a rainbow of color and delivered everything you wouldn’t expect. The set was comprised of largely new material but wasn’t without fan favorites like 2005’s “Bees” and a very rare “Alvin Row” (off their debut album). People danced throughout the set, embracing every song and improvised transition. With age comes wisdom, and Animal Collective is in their prime, carefully crafting a sound and live show that’s nostalgic but ever-evolving.
