Animal Collective's Geologist Shares New Single Government Job
Tuesday, 06 January 2026
Written by Jon Stickler
Brian Weitz, aka Geologist of Animal Collective, has shared another track from his upcoming debut solo studio album.
A laid-back instrumental built around acoustic guitar played by his son Merrick Weitz, Government Job blends psych-folk with experimental elements and arrives with a video by Michael R. Bernstein. Brian explained:
"20 years ago, I left a government job to do Animal Collective full-time. That might sound like a no-brainer trade, but there are days I don’t know about that. I liked the job and think there is honor in many government jobs - especially living in DC now as I watch so many crucial ones being eliminated with little reason beyond cruelty and greed. I got to be part of many beautiful things in music, but if I still had the job I’d ideally be part of a solid foundation that lets others experience beautiful things for themselves.
"So for the song Government Job I stripped away all the hurdy gurdy parts from my live set and gave the electronic foundation to Adam, Emma, and Merrick to express themselves on top (except Merrick thinks the guitar sounds trashy but I insisted he play it on a half broken guitar my wife picked up at a thrift store to casually leave around the house in case the kids wanted to teach themselves.)"
The track marks the second preview of 'Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?', which is set for release on January 30 via Drag City. In addition to Merrick, the album also features contributions from Brian's Animal Collective bandmate Avey Tare, FACS drummer Alianna Kalaba, recording engineer Adam McDaniel, clarinetist Shane McCord and vibraphonist Adam Lion.
Brian introduced the record with the release of its lead single, Tonic, in October. He'll support it with a run of North American dates alongside Bitchin Bajas in February and DPSD in March. Head here for more details. Tickets are on sale now.
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