Animal Collective Members Launch New Instrumental Project, Croz Boyce

Animal Collective’s Dave Portner, known as Avey Tare, and Brian Weitz, aka Geologist, are embarking on a new instrumental venture, introducing themselves as Croz Boyce. Their self-titled debut album is slated for release on May 8th via Domino Records, marking a distinct departure – and expansion – from their work within the celebrated experimental band. The project’s first single, “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” accompanied by a visually arresting music video directed by professional snorkeler Joseph Ricketts, offers a glimpse into the duo’s sonic landscape.

The origins of the Croz Boyce moniker are rooted in a poignant moment of shared experience. Following the passing of David Crosby in 2023, Portner and Weitz began utilizing a Dropbox folder named “Croz Boys” to share their musical ideas. The name, as Domino Records clarified, isn’t intended as a direct tribute to Crosby’s music, but rather “an unintentional tribute to the idea that there are lots of worse ways to pass your life than making music with buds.” This playful acknowledgement underscores the collaborative spirit at the heart of the project.

A Remote Collaboration, Rooted in Animal Collective’s DNA

Croz Boyce was conceived and created remotely, with Portner composing in Asheville, North Carolina, and Weitz responding from Washington, D.C. This geographically dispersed approach mirrors a creative process they initially explored with the Animal Collective track “Brown Thrasher,” which appeared on the 2022 compilation For the Birds (SPIN). Portner would send guitar instrumentals to Weitz, who would then layer his own contributions, building the tracks organically. The album’s mixing was handled by another Animal Collective member, Josh Dibb, also known as Deakin, further solidifying the project’s connection to the band’s established creative ecosystem.

This isn’t the first time Avey Tare and Geologist have pursued individual projects alongside their work with Animal Collective. In 2023, Portner released his solo album, 7s, while Weitz debuted his own solo effort, Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?. These individual explorations seem to have paved the way for the more focused instrumental collaboration that defines Croz Boyce.

Beyond the Band: A Timeline of Animal Collective’s Evolution

Animal Collective, formed in 2000, has consistently pushed the boundaries of experimental music, blending elements of psychedelia, electronica, and folk. Their discography includes critically acclaimed albums like Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009) and Centipede Hz (2012). The band’s most recent studio album, Isn’t It Now?, released in September 2023, showcased their continued willingness to experiment with sound and structure. A 2016 interview with Pitchfork, “The Strangest Trip: Animal Collective on the Legacy of Animal Collective,” offers a retrospective seem at the band’s evolution and enduring influence.

While Animal Collective hasn’t performed a full live show since September 2022, the individual members remain active in various musical endeavors. Panda Bear, another member of the collective, is scheduled to perform at the Primavera Sound festivals in Barcelona and Porto, Portugal, in June.

An Instrumental Focus: The Sound of Croz Boyce

Croz Boyce is entirely instrumental, comprising nine tracks built from a combination of electric and acoustic string instruments, synthesizers, and percussion. The tracklist reveals a series of evocative titles: “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” “Towson Acid,” “What If Janis Just Stared?,” “Abundant River Zap,” “Steven’s Sunshine Rejected,” “Father Karras,” “Janis (Still Staring),” “Eternal Dream Drone,” and “Banana Pudding.” Descriptions of the album emphasize its “sweet or fretful acoustic strums and electronics,” creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The project is described as a “celebration of friendship, of the chance to share a lifetime together even from a distance.”

The music video for “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” directed by Joseph Ricketts, adds another layer to the project’s aesthetic. Ricketts, a professional snorkeler, brings an underwater perspective to the visuals, creating a luminous and exploratory atmosphere that complements the music’s sense of discovery.

Availability and Formats

The Croz Boyce album is available for pre-order in a variety of formats, including limited edition clear vinyl, transparent range cassette, CD, and digital download. The album is set for release on May 8th through Domino Records. Fans can find more information and pre-order options at crozboyce.ffm.to/crozboyce.

Looking Ahead: The release of Croz Boyce marks a new chapter for Avey Tare and Geologist, offering a focused exploration of instrumental music within the broader context of their ongoing creative endeavors. While no immediate tour dates have been announced, the album’s release will undoubtedly generate interest in potential live performances, allowing audiences to experience the duo’s sonic world firsthand. The project’s success could also influence future collaborative efforts within Animal Collective, potentially leading to further experimentation and innovation.