Pitchfork

It must be mating season, because Animal Collective have a number of musical babies on the way. Dave Portner (aka Avey Tare) let fans at the Collected Animals forums in on a special band update yesterday, and we have since received confirmation that "wheeter" is in fact the real Portner, so on with the news.

First up is an Australian tour EP, which will feature "People", "Tikwid", "My Favorite Colors", and "People" (live) and will be available during the band's Down Under trek in November. It's possible that the project might see worldwide release, but plans are still up in the air.

The group is shooting to have its long-awaited live box set fully sequenced and mastered by the end of the month. It will be released via Catsup Plate Records, and will likely include three LPs of material packed to the brim with Sung Tongs songs and other pre-Feels material. Not only that, but Animal Collective is "starting to film for a very special release next year," according to their manager.

While we're on the topic of the live recordings, we'd like to remind you that Animal Collective will drop a reissue of the very rare Hollinndagain LP this Halloween via the band's own label, Paw Tracks.

Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) just finished recording a nine-song record, set for release in the winter 2007. There might be a tour around that time, too. The tunes will be divided up into three EPs. A 12", Bros should be out by the end of this year, with a Paw Tracks EP following shortly after. Panda Bear will also be featured on a split with Excepter, due this January on...you guessed it, Paw Tracks.

Portner also recently recorded a track for a forthcoming compilation of bands that have recorded at Brooklyn's Rare Book Room studio.

Finally, Animal Collective have a few dates ahead of them, including performances at this weekend's Leeds and Reading festivals. After that, it's on to Australia and New Zealand.

Dates:

08-25 Leeds, England - Leeds Festival
08-26 London, England - Cable Street Warehouse
08-27 Reading, England - Reading Festival
11-03 Brisbane, Australia - Zoo
11-04 Sydney, Australia - Newtown
11-06 Melbourne, Australia - Corner Hotel
11-08 Auckland, New Zealand - Kings Arm Tavern
11-09 Wellington, New Zealand - Indigo Bar