By Stan Cierlitsky
I think it's about time after two decades to make a Best of Noah Lennox playlist. I have to admit that I was late to the party on the genius of Animal Collective, but for the past seven or eight years I have done my best to follow Lennox's work, from the aforementioned Animal Collective, his main creative solo outlet Panda Bear, and many of his other collaborations. But before I scurry off and start that new playlist I would like to tell you about Panda Bear's new album Sinister Grift.
The first single to drop came out last year and features Cindy Lee. Noah Lennox is becoming famous for his collaborations and this is right up there with his best. "Defense" isn't a far cry from Lennox's other work, but the blazing Cindy Lee guitar solo in the middle is something you haven't heard him present before.
The second single that came out this year is the song that made me want to do this review. "Ferry Lady" is a super addictive song with a visually stunning video. I just read that Lennox recorded this album at his home in Lisbon, Portugal. That makes sense. With the horns and lazy beats it definitely feels more international, but it was mixed here in Baltimore which to me is really cool.
After listening to the whole album, the song that blew me away the most, and will surely make that Best of Noah Lennoxr playlist I was talking about is "Praise". This is an early contender for a track I'd include on my best tracks of 2025 list in about 10 months. This is one of the most radio-friendly songs Lennox has put together, and it features Rivka Ravede from Spirit of the Beehive. Apparently Ravede also did the artwork for this album too.
Another cool thing about this record is that it's the first time all of Lennox's Animal Collective band-mates have joined him on one of his solo albums. One of my other member fave contributions is from Dave Portner (Avey Tare). He adds some noise to the "Ends Meet", the album's third single.
All in all this is another gem in Noah Lennox's catalog, and many of these will be making that Best of. Sinister Grift by Panda Bear is out February 28 on Domino Records.
[Photo: Panda Bear Bandcamp]