There’s one thing we need to address before getting to “A ? Of When,” the new song from Panda Bear & Sonic Boom: you won’t find it on streaming services.
In a statement on the Domino Recording Company’s website, the duo rage against AI and algorithms, and announce a desire to “get back to a place of real connectivity.” “Going forward we're looking to radio, live shows, listening parties, Q&A sessions & real life interactions to get back to a place we feel makes more sense,” say the duo. “To that end, we're asking you to join us offline, outside of social media. To meet us in the real world. IRL not URL …”
Of the two artists, Panda Bear (legal name Noah Lennox) is probably the more well known. He’s a member of Animal Collective, the experimental rock band whose sound relies upon a variety of elements, from traditional instruments to loops and sampling (Animal Collective has an extensive discography that can be a little intimidating. If you want to dip your toes, start with Merriweather Post Pavilion). Panda Bear also contributed lead vocals to “Doin’ It Right,” a song from Daft Punk’s classic album Random Access Memories.
Sonic Boom (Peter Kember) is an English producer/composer/songwriter with an impressive resume of his own. In addition to being a founding member of Spacemen 3, he’s also worked with Yo La Tengo, Stereolab, MGMT and Beach House. He apparently heard Panda Bear’s music at a bachelor party and got in touch with him shortly after. They became friends, and then musical collaborators, releasing the album Reset in 2022.
“A ? Of When” is the title track from Panda Bear & Sonic Boom’s upcoming second album, which also includes two songs released as a single on Record Store Day. As you’d expect, "A ? Of When" has a lot going on sonically: there’s guitar and percussion, flute loops, an ambulance siren and some … let’s say relaxed vocals. Panda Bear (whose stage name already comes from an animal) opens by singing “I’m like a kitty cat / I’m gonna land on my feet again.”
It doesn’t sound like a conventional pop song, and yet, it … kind of is! By the end of the song, both artists are singing “Keep trying” over and over, which is a simple, inspiring message in the context of their mission statement for this record.
A ? Of When will be released July 10th on CD, cassette and vinyl. It'll also be available to download from Bandcamp or Domino. The limited edition vinyl LP is already sold out.
