Even prior to its official release, listeners of Animal Collective’s latest offering were already throwing around the phrase – œAlbum of the Year’ – a pretty big call, considering it was only released 12 days into 2009. But if any band is capable of inciting such buzz, it would be this four-piece. With eight diverse albums already under their belts, Animal Collective’s unique and genre-defying sound has gone from strength to strength, accumulating in this momentous release.

While previous albums have sometimes tended to fall into more obscure holes – such as the cacophonous Here Comes the Indian or the more laid-back Sung Tongs – the ninth studio album from Avey Tare, Deakin, Geologist and Panda Bear is remarkable cohesive. With Merriweather Post Pavilion, the Baltimore foursome have trim off the rougher corners and tread more accessible – œpop’ ground, maintaining their familiar off-kilter edge that they have become renowned for throughout.

Sonically rich and heavily layered, Merriweather Post Pavilion takes its lead from their vocally-driven effort, 2007’s Strawberry Jam. It melds Avey’s harmonious, epic vocals with lush orchestration, swirling soundscapes and thick electronica-fused sounds. At its peak, it is stunning, euphoric and epic, a kaleidoscope of joyous noise, brightly drenched hooks, cut-and-paste sounds and ecstatic voices. In the stunning opener In the Flowers, ambient soundscapes and ethereal synthesisers slowly bubble into a dense peak and blissful chorus. From there it’s a resplendent and wonderful journey, from the album’s more up-tempo songs such as the upliftingly danceable My Girls, the stompingly catchy and celebratory Summertime Clothes to the shimmering, waltz-like Daily Routine. Bluish is an instant charmer – wistful and hymnal, it’s probably the most accessible track on the album. There are ploddier moments as well ( Also Frightened, No More Running ) but for the most part, the album remains meticulously resonant and gloriously jubilant.

Never ones to follow the trends or stick to conventions, Animal Collective’s fearless and adventurous approach to music makes them stand out as true individuals in the modern music landscape. Merriweather Post Pavilion is an album to embrace, to absorb and to lose yourself in – a showcase of a band that treads the line between experimental and pop with exceptional ease. The musical year is off to a very good start indeed.

Merriweather Post Pavilion is out now through Domino.