Animal Collective is an experimental pop band from New York City. There are four members, Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin, and Geologist.

The early days of the band were nebulous, and some of the early albums were credited to only Avey Tare and Panda Bear. From 2000 to 2003, they released Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished, Danse Manatee and Campire Songs. The live album Hollinndagain was recorded in 2002 and was re-released under the band's Paw Tracks label in 2007.

Between 2003 and 2007, Animal Collective released a series of critically acclaimed records. Here Comes the Indian was filled with dense experimentation and hidden melodies. Sung Tongs and Feels expanded on their organic sound and added more precise pop songwriting. During 2005 and 2006, the band performed several unknown songs in front of live audiences which would eventually be released on 2007's Strawberry Jam.

In 2007, Panda Bear released his third solo album, Person Pitch, to rave reviews. Within a few months, Avey Tare released "Pullhair Rubeye", a collaboration with Kria Brekkan.