Panda Bear usually gets by with a little help from friends. And the experimental-pop project’s forthcoming new album — Sinister Grift, due out February 28 on Domino — is no exception, as it finds singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Animal Collective co-founder Noah Lennox tapping into those closest to him.
Now we’re treated to another layer of sonic exploration and relatively joyous indie-pop through new single “Ferry Lady,” which arrives today (January 6) via a colorful music video by Danny Perez. Check it out below.
Sinister Grift is the first new solo Panda Bear album in five years and features each of his Animal Collective bandmates. The record was crafted in Lennox’s home studio in Portugal with longtime collaborator Josh “Deakin” Dibb.
“Working on this record felt like a sacred and warm return,” says Dibb. “Noah and I first started putting music down to multitrack cassette in 1991. Thirty-two years later and working in the same fashion, two friends alone in a room searching for sounds and feelings that move us, I am very proud of what we created together. Sinister Grift feels like the songwriter I’ve known for over 30 years but also feels like some sort of new chapter for Noah. Couldn’t be more proud of the result.”
As we drift into the cosmic playfulness of “Ferry Lady,” take note: Panda Bear plays Roadrunner in Brighton with Toro y Moi on February 12. That’s sooner on the calendar than it feels.