Animal Collective is an American experimental pop band formed in Baltimore, Maryland in 2003. Its members and founders are Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin, and Geologist. The band's work has been characterized by its eclectic exploration of genres including freak folk, noise, drone, electronica, and psychedelia. AllMusic credited the group with "defining the face of independent experimental rock during the 2000s and 2010s."