While critics found it easy to lump Animal Collective in with the freak folk scene after Sung Tongs, 2005's Feels caused many to revise their opinions of the band, slightly. First, Feels is more of a rock record, especially early on; the frequent cymbal crashes and pounding drums leave little doubt. Secondly, Feels has less of the aimless meandering that many of the artists from the freak folk scene frequently exhibit. Its quiet, abstract moods are often created here with only a few tremulous vocals and an autoharp. It was recorded and mixed in Seattle, WA in early 2005 with Scott Colburn at his studio, Gravelvoice. In addition to the four band members, the album also features piano playing by Kria Brekkan under the name Doctess, as well as some violin from Eyvind Kang.