Two members of Animal Collective have quietly branched into a new instrumental collaboration. Dave Portner (known as Avey Tare) and Brian Weitz (Geologist) will release a self-titled record as Croz Boyce on May 8 via Domino, a project that nods to the past while pushing their sound into sparser territory.
The first single, “Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop,” arrives with a striking video directed by professional snorkeler Joseph Ricketts, underscoring the pair’s interest in unusual visual and sonic textures.
From Animal Collective to a separate instrumental voice
The name Croz Boyce evokes David Crosby, who died in 2023 — a touchstone the duo say coincided with the early stages of this project. Rather than meeting in a studio, Portner and Weitz assembled the album remotely, trading parts between their home bases in Asheville, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
Mixing duties were handled by fellow Animal Collective member Josh Dibb, known as Deakin, tying the release back into the band’s wider creative circle even as it carves out its own identity.
For fans tracking the members’ individual output, Croz Boyce follows a busy run of releases: Animal Collective’s Isn’t It Now? and Portner’s most recent Avey Tare solo record, 7s, both came out in 2023, and Weitz issued his debut solo album, Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?, in January.
What to expect and why it matters now
The record signals two established collaborators testing instrumental frameworks rather than song-based pop, a move that may appeal to listeners interested in ambient, experimental, or exploratory rock offshoots. The project also illustrates how remote production and close-knit creative networks continue to shape indie music after the pandemic-era shift toward distributed recording.
The single’s video — part art piece, part mood study — suggests the album will favor texture and atmosphere over conventional hooks. For listeners and critics, Croz Boyce will be a chance to hear how Portner and Weitz reframe their long-running partnership outside the full-band context.
Tracklist — Croz Boyce (Domino, May 8)
- 01 Hanging Out With a Blueberry Pop
- 02 Towson Acid
- 03 What If Janis Just Stared?
- 04 Abundant River Zap
- 05 Steven’s Sunshine Rejected
- 06 Father Karras
- 07 Janis (Still Staring)
- 08 Eternal Dream Drone
- 09 Banana Pudding
Though modest in promotion so far, the record’s release date places it among a steady stream of projects from the Animal Collective camp, and its choice of collaborators and visual partners makes it a noteworthy moment for followers of contemporary experimental music.
Expect reviews and deeper coverage to follow as the album circulates and the video gains views; for now, the project stands as a concise, intentionally instrumental detour from Portner and Weitz’s band-focused output.
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Hello, I’m Atlas. I explore the latest musical releases for you and guide you to your next sonic favorites.