Animal Collective makes a comeback with “Love on the Big Screen,” their first single since 2023, highlighting their capacity to merge genres while enriching the ongoing dialogue about the concept of “mainstream” in today’s music landscape.
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“Love On the Big Screen” – Animal Collective
Recognized for their genre-defying sound and thought-provoking lyrics, the experimental pop group Animal Collective has released their new single, “Love on the Big Screen.” The debut of this single coincides with the kickoff of their tour on June 25 in Philadelphia. Fans shared their enthusiasm online, given the band's absence of new music since 2023.
Animal Collective's quirky and straightforward style is evident in both the song and their overall attitude. At a time when it feels like announcements are strategically planned purely for marketing benefits, the release of “Love on the Big Screen” came as an unexpected delight for fans on a Wednesday morning.
The track opens with a steady percussive beat, similar to other Animal Collective tracks like “My Girls” and “Leaf House,” which focus on a sonic hook in the initial moments rather than lyrics. “Love on the Big Screen” establishes an atmosphere through its instrumentals — it’s clear from the outset that it’s an Animal Collective song. The influence of their early lo-fi sound enhances the repetitive nature of the lyrics, woven with futuristic audio elements.
The song kicks off with the chorus: “Love on the big screen.” Commentary is interspersed between the words and synth sounds, almost reflecting the overwhelming sensation of love.
Much of their music delves into human nature, examining both environmental and psychological themes. “Love on the Big Screen” reiterates concepts explored in tracks like “Good Lovin Outside” and “In The Flowers,” emphasizing the whimsical and enchanting aspects of genuine romance. Their latest release evokes a sense of pleasant disorientation influenced by the emotional and chemical facets of love.
The second verse addresses the uncertainties tied to romance: “It can always feel new / Sometimes it feels like the love keeps dying / It’s love, there on the big widescreen / Love, there on the big widescreen.”
The lyrics depict a narrative that goes beyond the surface of love, reflecting on what occurs after the initial excitement in a relationship. The contrasting repetition of the chorus with the curious nature of the verses results in a strikingly genuine yet joyful examination of love.
The fourth verse continues: “Hard to express that thing called love / A thing written in fairy tales / Love, there on the big widescreen / Love, there on the big widescreen.”
The song invites listeners to interpret their own feelings about love, whether it’s perceived as a stress-inducing chemical reaction or a distant, dreamlike occurrence that appears only once in a lifetime. The outro reinforces this theme with the poignant line: “Can there be a spell?”
Animal Collective’s talent for diversifying their instrumental sounds throughout their discography has significantly contributed to their longevity in the music scene.
“Love on the Big Screen” showcases a forward-thinking approach to percussion and synth pads, contrasting directly with its lyrical content.
This single cements Animal Collective’s place in the music industry; their eclectic genre fusion appeals to a broad audience, while their themes continue to resonate across generations.
Follow Animal Collective on Instagram to stay in touch with their updates.
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© Dave Portner
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Animal Collective makes their comeback with “Love on the Big Screen,” their first release since 2023, highlighting their talent for merging genres while contributing depth to the ongoing dialogue about the concept of being “mainstream” in today’s music industry.