With all three members behind synthesizers, as Merriweather’s trippy cover art lined the stage’s background while a hanging, giant white orb projected thoughtful images, Portner (aka Avey Tare), Lennox (Panda Bear) and Weitz (Geologist) resembled dance club DJs at Tuesday’s sold-out show at the Riverside Theater.

Early praise for Animal Collective�s latest album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, has been piercing, unanimous and, often, hilariously over the top. Comb the entire Internet, and you won�t find a negative review of the thing (at least not yet). The closest you�ll come is Rolling Stone�s requisite 3-� star deferral. Spin offers a level-headed 4/5, but Uncut better captures the consensus with a 5/5 r...