GENRE; Rock
LABEL; Drag City
RATING; 3/5
Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights? marks the long‑awaited solo debut of Geologist (Brian Weitz), best known as the electronic architect behind Animal Collective. Released on January 30, 2026 via Drag City, this record sees Weitz step forward from the background with a bold, experimental statement built around an unlikely muse: the hurdy‑gurdy.
Rather than a straightforward indie or psychedelic rock album, this is an avant‑experimental expedition that blends droning acoustic textures with layered electronics, post‑punk energy, and even moments flirting with jazz and minimalism. The hurdy‑gurdy isn’t used as a novelty — it’s the voice of the record, looping, distorting, and intertwining with synths and percussion to produce landscapes that range from eerie and contemplative to chaotic and trance‑inducing.
Tracks like “RV Envy” and “Compact Mirror/Last Names” highlight the album’s willingness to push boundaries, stretching ideas into nine‑minute journeys that reward close listening. Meanwhile, “Government Job” offers a grounding pivot, with acoustic guitar from Weitz’s son and a groove that feels almost communal in contrast to the surrounding abstraction.
Critically, the album has been met with strong reviews, praised for its originality and the sheer ambition of its sonic palette, though some find its textures and repetitive drone challenging. On aggregate sites, it holds an encouraging score indicating universal acclaim from critics, underscoring its success as a first solo work.
