Panda Bear, known to his mother as Noah Lennox, has returned with one of his brightest records to date. Working with former Spacemen 3 member Peter “Sonic Boom” Kember, who also mixed 2011’s Tomboy, the production is classic Panda Bear. Swirly, murky, colourful and psychedelic, this time he has upped the melodic ante.
His songs will never be “pop” in a traditional sense, but they shimmer and spark, enhanced by Lennox’s signature singularly choral vocals (which he also lends to his other band Animal Collective).
While the inclusion of Grim Reaper in its title could be misleading, this record is as far from gothic as one can get. Lyrically, he touches upon the pre-themes to midlife: family (he is a father of two), sanity and self doubt. Musically, the album takes you on a bright journey through the arc of a rainbow, leaving you dancing in the neon light. Perhaps The Grim Reaper isn't as menacing as we thought...
Rating: ★★★★★
(Domino)
