Animal Souls deliver a shape shifting album experience on "Moondancing"
Moondancing, the sophomore LP from Abbotsford, BC’s Animal Souls, is precisely that kind of record that gives you a little bit of everything. Across these tracks, this album serves as both a daring exploration of musical possibility and a deeply personal statement from producer, bassist, and bandleader Michael Fisher, whose fingerprints are all over this beautifully sprawling collection.
Animal Souls isn’t a conventional band, and Moondancing isn’t a conventional album. Fisher runs the show like a sonic curator, assembling a rotating cast of top-tier musicians that each bring their own voice to the mix. The result is a collection that never stays in one place for long, but somehow feels entirely cohesive in its adventurous spirit. You can expect contributions from Ava Wolsynuk, Alison Cowie, Annika Catharina, Oke Chornick, Mara Hatklin, and Jackie Lee.
At its core, Moondancing is rooted in rock, but that foundation is merely a jumping-off point. The record moves through soul, pop, psychedelia, jazz, and groove-based expansive sounds. It’s a record where layered vocals swirl around lush instrumentation, with unexpected chord changes and textural shifts keeping you perpetually engaged.
Fisher’s production work shines brightest in the album’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility. Even at its most experimental, there’s always a melody you can hum, a bassline that pulls you in, or a vocal harmony that anchors the moment.
Every instrument feels precise, from the crisp strum of acoustic guitars to the smooth horns and electric keys that appear like unexpected guests at the perfect moment. The analog warmth of the recording draws you in, creating an immersive experience that feels crafted for a vinyl spin.
Vocally, the album is a showcase of expressive leads, delivered with a sincerity that grounds even its most abstract moments. Whether navigating through soul-drenched hooks or hazy, psych-tinged ballads, the vocal performances here carry both polish and emotional weight.
It’s an album that dares to be wide-ranging without ever losing its sense of self, offering listeners a trip through soundscapes as varied as the landscapes of British Columbia themselves.
Animal Souls have carved out something special here. Moondancing is bold without being brash, eclectic without being erratic, and tender without slipping into sentimentality. An outstanding statement from a collective that’s only just beginning to show the depth of what it can do.
Go ahead and enjoy this record for everything that it has to offer! You can listen up, follow along, and stay tuned for more, so don’t miss out!
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