Elevator Pitch: Panda Bear

Noah Lennox, known as Panda Bear – inspired by the panda he drew on his early mixtapes – has recently released Sinister Grift. It features an appealing and innovative mix of psychedelic pop, with elements of indie, dub, and ambient music. The creativity and richness of the sound are equally matched by its emotional depth.

You may know Panda Bear better as part of experimental pop band Animal Collective, which released iconic albums such as Merriweather Post Pavilion, featuring tracks ‘My Girls’, ‘Summertime Clothes’, and Feels featuring ‘Banshee Beat’.

‘Elegy for Noah Lou’ is one of the most emotionally compelling tracks on the album, evoking a beautiful yet haunting feeling

Sinister Grift is Lennox’s latest solo album, and his first in five years, features stunning and complex lead singles such as ‘Defense’ (Featuring Cindy Lee) and ‘Ferry Lady’. In addition to this, ‘Elegy for Noah Lou’ is one of the most emotionally compelling tracks on the album, evoking a beautiful yet haunting feeling. The album was described by Pitchfork as one of his “most straightforwardly beautiful” records and “his most emotionally complex”.

These tracks create a bright, alluring, and poignant atmosphere. His broader catalogue, with albums Reset and Buoys, alongside singles and collaborations such as ‘9’ alongside Dean Blunt and ‘Doin’ it Right’ with Daft Punk, reinforces this feeling. This is the atmosphere that you should expect Panda Bear to create and thrive in during a live show – offering a psychedelic experience like no other.

The tour will continue throughout the UK for the first week of June

Intrigued? Be prepared for such an experience at the Castle and Falcon in Birmingham on 3 June. Located in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, Castle and Falcon is an independent venue with a capacity of 400 persons, known for being at the forefront of Birmingham’s punk scene, previously featuring many notable artists from the UK, such as Tom Walker and Sam Fender.

This show is one of many during his 2025 tour, in which he has already performed at Dublin and Glasgow. The tour will continue throughout the UK for the first week of June – get more details and your tickets here!