Animal Collective is an American experimental pop group formed in Baltimore, Maryland, in the early 2000s by Avey Tare (Dave Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deakin (Josh Dibb), and Geologist (Brian Weitz). Renowned for their adventurous sound that blends psychedelia, electronic textures, and avant‑pop structures, the collective has become a defining force in modern indie music. Albums like *Merriweather Post Pavilion* and *Strawberry Jam* earned critical acclaim for their innovation, emotional depth, and boundary‑pushing production, securing Animal Collective’s place as one of the most influential and inventive acts of the 21st century.