It’s always exciting when Perth sells out a show. Whether it is something huge at Burswood Dome or some overnight sensation at a bar, every band likes to be told that “Tonight’s a sold out crowd.” That’s exactly what Animal Collective managed to achieve at around $60 a ticket with little advertising from commercial veins last Thursday night. Walking in after 9pm seemed almost impossible as the crowd stretched across Club Capitol from front to rear, most heavily congested around the bar. Nevertheless, tonight’s performance by the Maryland quartet was most appealing from the overhead balcony where there was a clear view of the lights hitting the abstract backdrop over the tops of heads.

First song fresh off the set-list was, aptly, #1 followed by What Would I Want? Sky and My Girls; the first single off their latest album Spirit They’re Gone, Spirit They’ve Vanished. A band that doesn’t need to talk during fillers (not that there was any) or have nothing more than a basic introduction is what makes up a professional and respective artist, elements which the Animal Collective possess.

Their set was more instrumental than vocal, giving everyone the opportunity to dance and get in touch with the rhythm. The encore consisted of two songs, their last song Brother Sport the latest release off the new album, leaving everything on a positive note.

This band are fantastic at what they do, with their wired psychedelic sound that merges into one continuous song without any breaks, but it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. The tall bald gentlemen bouncing in the front row at even the flat lines certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, but there were a few people near the back who didn’t seem to be paying any attention at all. It takes a certain sort of mood to really appreciate Animal Collective’s motives when they’re delivering to a crowd, but it really is the sort of music the make you relaxed or mellow. Hopefully the band lived up to expectations of fans, it was certainly surprising to see how laid back they all seemed.

Animal Collective’s experimental film ODDSAC will be released next month at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.