Esker
Hero
Animate objects is an amazing spell, but it only lasts a minute and is vulnerable to AOE. Swift Quiver is a terrible option unless you are rocking a super magic weapon.
Animate Objects is not for every situation. But it is almost strictly better than Swift Quiver (which also only lasts a minute, btw) for a 5th level slot that uses concentration and your bonus action every round (AO doesn't even use your BA every round, only when you need to issue a new command).
Even an upcast flaming sphere is probably better than Swift Quiver (I realize bards don't get that one, but it just shows that being able to do an extra 12 or so damage a round using a 5th level slot, your concentration and bonus action every round is really crappy)