Here’s a review of the first ever Animal Collective live in Istanbul, thanks to our correspondent Işıl Kılkış.

Friday night’s buzz was all about Animal Collective, that kept me awake since the beginning of the week. I was getting ready and thinking this show would be one of the “Greatest Moments In My Music History”.

I was there early as promised, listening to Harunizer’s quirky beats, killing time and gazing at the stage. Around 11.30 pm, I understood it was time. I saw Panda Bear, The Geologist with the headlights and Avey Tare with his cap, they were getting started. Following the epic intro, Panda Bear took the lead from (d)Avey and started “Comfy In Nautica”, which was one of the angelic moments of the show, the real kick-off. As “Who Could Win A Rabbit” faded, “Peacebone”, one of the biggest tracks from Strawberry Jam started. That’s exactly where the crowd reacted started to move and let go.

They indulged themselves with the ANIMAL instinct, there was nothing else to do. After this impact, the new song “Daily Routine” from the forthcoming album “Merriweather Post Pavillon” kicked in. You know, the new album with the trippy cover art.

Through the middle of the show, “Fireworks” was the peak which lasted nearly 20 minutes, starting and finishing over and over again. The setlist was mostly dominated with the new tracks, one of them really made me crave for it. That was the one right after Fireworks, still I couldn’t figure it out, even though I got to see the setlist.

That was the first stop. A.C couldn’t resist the feisty crowd beggin’ for more and they were on the stage again, quite predictable. This time they played “Leaf House” and “Lion In A Coma” if I’m not mistaken. I was expecting a second encore, but that didn’t happen. Quite predictable, again!

I was overwhelmed by what I witnessed at Babylon. Thank God, it was nourishing and inspiring. Here’s the setlist pic, thanks to Elif’s help.