Shearwater’s journey from a ramshackle Okkervil River sister act to one of indie rock’s foremost purveyors of chamber-pop drama is one of the past decade’s great musical evolutions. Animal Joy puts an exclamation point on the story, largely avoiding the airy, avian-themed introspection of the band’s recent efforts in favor of fiery guitar work and a beastly rhythm section. Opening track “Animal Life” makes the group’s intentions clear, offering a restless tempo and a rhythmic emphasis Shearwater has often avoided; “Breaking The Yearlings,” all uncomfortable notes and thunderous drumming, stomps with mammoth feet.
