Benjamin Dunn and the Animal Orchestra
to Release FABLE, August 21, 2012.
Benjamin Dunn’s music has never been easy to describe. It’s a collaboration of eclectic and vintage instruments making synth-driven pop music. It’s not quite dance, it’s not quite rock, but it all combines to create a sound that can only be described as Benjamin Dunn and the Animal Orchestra.
Now, on Dunn’s second full-length album, FABLE, releasing August 21, the lyrics take center stage. FABLE is a bit of a love story to some of Dunn’s favorite authors, namely C.S. Lewis.
“FABLE is a new class of venture for me in that I wrote it from the perspective of different Characters,” explains Dunn. “While writing this record I was heavily influenced by C.S. Lewis’ books, and I actually think within this last year that I’ve read most or nearly all of his material more than twice! The Narnia Series, Perelandra, Out of the Silent Planet, etc., all of them found their way into this album.”
The vivid imagery and storytelling of these novels and stories shaped much of Dunn’s upbringing, and has now continued onto his adult life. Lewis’ ability to explore complicated and mysterious topics in his fiction pieces has captured the songwriter’s imagination. “As most of you know, these books are an allegory. They are like parables,” mused Dunn. “They are stories and characters that speak of the “Heavenly Country” and have spiritual meanings though hidden a little in mystery and imagination. I think I would define this new album in the same terms – it’s an allegory.”
Recorded in Harrisburg, PA, FABLE, like projects in the past has a rotating cast of musicians involved. On the album, the Animal Orchestra consists of Dunn (Lead Vocals, Synth, Guitars and Banjo), Nathan Horst (Guitars, Banjo, Background Vocals, and Synth), Joel Semke (Bass and Synth Bass) and Rusty Fuller (Drums and Glockenspiel). The live show will have a variety of participants, depending on the show date and location.
“The group of musicians who I’m honored to perform with is simply amazing. We love how the set up changes, making for each show to have a new, fresh feel.”
FABLE by Benjamin Dunn and the Animal Orchestra, available online and in select stores and at tour dates beginning August 21, 2012.
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