Initial work for Strawberry Jam started in September 2005 as Animal Collective prepared to tour Europe for the release of the band's 2005 album, Feels.

The process immediately became a very intense and emotional one and they all agreed on a desire to preserve the rawness of the songs that was happening during the initial writing sessions. Animal Collective was very attached to these songs in a live setting and to preserve the live stage energy was a mission. Though the melodies and lyrics for Strawberry Jam were written by Panda Bear and Avey Tare in various places such as Paris, New York, Lisbon and Baltimore, there was also three intense full-band writing sessions with Geologist and Deacon.

These production sessions occurred in both Lisbon and in NYC. So, while the songs might seem to come from all over the map emotionally, it was important to match that geographical variation sonically. Strawberry Jam was recorded in January of this year at The Wavelab in Tucson, Arizona with The Wizard Scott Colburn. The band drove 30 minutes each way, everyday, to and from their rented house. There was much Tecate drinking, barbecues, Javelina sightings and other desert oddities that might have influenced this record… like the day the desert was covered in glistening ice.

The album was completed and mixed with the gracious help of Nicholas Vernhes at The Rare Book Room in Brooklyn, NY. For the uninitiated, Animal Collective is a group of four best friends who grew up playing and recording music together in Baltimore County, Maryland. Why Animal? Cause it's the only word they could think of that made any remote connection to what they thought their sound was -- and of course, they love their fellow animals very much.

Why Collective?

The band has always wanted to be the ones who define who and what AC is.

Two people? Four people? Why not?

Don't be surprised if you come to see the band and its not what you thought it would be (and try not to get too upset). STRAWBERRY JAM will be released on Domino on the 10th of September 2007 worldwide. After headlining The Coronet earlier this month, Animal Collective are pleased to announce a show at London’s Astoria on November 1st, with further UK shows to be announced shortly. For a complete discography and more information