Animal Collective have returned with a new single “Defeat,” an epic and hopeful ode to perserverence. The track was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Kamasi Washington, The Roots). The track also features the band alongside guest musicians Samara Lubelski (violin), Leila Bordreuil (cello), and Ben Chapoteau-Katz (saxophone).
“Defeat” will be released as a limited edition 12-inch on August 25 and will feature the b-side “The Challenge (Live Edit).”
“The Challenge” is a completely improvised track that has only been played in front of a live audience and originated as an unrehearsed intro to the song “Strung With Everything” while the band was on tour last year. The recorded version that appears on the 12-inch was collaged together from 11 different shows between March and September of 2022.
“The only time it was even discussed was after shows late in the touring cycle when it took on its own identity,” says Geologist. “‘How did we feel about the 'Strung' intro?’ often provided the answer to ‘how was the show?’ But the discussion always ended at what happened that night, without any detailed critique, and never with how it might happen the next. We became aware the same discussions were happening amongst our fans, who were recording, uploading and listening to the shows each night. They took notice and named the section ‘The Challenge.’ This edit is for them.”
Check out the a-side below and pre-order the “Strung With Everything” 7” here.
