Dylan Haviland – General Assignment Reporter
Noah Lennox also known as “Panda Bear”, is growing more mature and experienced as his music career advances. Lennox is certainly no stranger to the music industry, especially with his ongoing career with the successful indie band “Animal Collective.” His solo career as “Panda Bear” has implemented his talents as a vocal and electronic musician.
Lennox’s fourth album release for his solo project “Panda Bear,” is “Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper” an album that explores the concepts of ambiguity and aging. The album further proves his ability to succeed as a solo artist. Breaking new grounds and honing his skills.
Listen to Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper on Spotify here.
The album’s lead anthem is the pumped up and mystifying second track, “Mr. Noah.” The track begins with the low echoing of mellow synthetic waves, as the intro progresses in the distance dog moans fill the speakers accompanied by the beat of drums. The combination of dog noises and synthetic beats are a powerful combination with Lennox’s voice which comes trembling in.
“Mr. Noah” is a catchy and excellent soundtrack to college life which can be both terrifying and wild.
The album maintains a healthy mix of amplified tracks similar to “Mr. Noah” like: “Boys Latin” and “Principe Real.” These two tracks are heavy on the electronic beats which are tagged along with echoing lyrics that roll smoothly off Lennox’s vocal range.
The rest of “Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper” drifts away from the heavier scene and explores challenging psychedelic grounds.
“Tropic of Cancer” is an astounding beautiful track, providing a stark contrast to “Mr. Noah” exciting rifts.
“Tropic of Cancer” the eighth track on the album is the most artistically stimulating piece. The lyrics, “It’s all in the family, and then, you sneak it all away” followed by “when they said he’s ill, laugh it off as if it’s no big deal, what a joke to joke no joke.” These haunting lines echo loss and confusion in life.
The true gem of “Tropic of Cancer” is the solo musical accompaniment of a harp. In an album filled with intense synthetic noise, the harp is a truly poetic and beautiful companion to Lennox’s voice. A mystical interlude that is a well-produced accomplishment for “Panda Bear.”
Following in the tracks footsteps is “Lonely Wanderer” a piece that is truly as alone as it sounds. The melancholy tune is solidly delivered with accompaniment of the keyboard. “Lonely Wanderer” is testament to Lennox’s skill to deliver serene works, very similar to fellow electronic artist Trevor Powers of “Youth Lagoon.”
“Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper” ends on a solid note, its final track “Acid Wash” doesn’t particularly stand out from the rest but manages to satisfy. Lennox’s final words on this track “Graph the spasm, I’m past” drifts out into a technical display of electronic tunes.
Overall, Lennox’s fourth album displays excellent musicality. It is truly a piece of work that explores the inner psyche of the tormented individual. The solo project has proved itself to be a spiritual venture for Lennox and those who listen. A more personal and warmer experience apart from his accomplishments in “Animal Collective.”
Lennox may not be the young man he was when at the beginning of “Animal Collective” but with time he has certainly gained the wisdom and maturity to complete more complicated pieces such as “Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper.”
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