Animal Alphabet has gained notoriety playing a dark, indie chamber rock. This four piece band from Chapel Hill stands out due to their unique range of influences, combining elements of jazz, pop, and classical music, Animal Alphabet makes music with a subtle and passionate post-rock sound.
Animal Alphabet consists of Simon McGorman (lead vocals, piano/guitar), Catherine Steele (double bass/vocals), Emma Dunlap-Grube(cello/vocals), and Marc Allen (percussion/vocals). The band started when Simon approached Emma with some songs he had written, and after playing together Marc and Catherine joined. “Adult Teeth” is Animal Alphabet’s debut recording, but they have been playing together across the Chapel Hill area for the last year, giving them the distinctive opportunity to hone their sound and develop these songs in a live setting.
Running throughout most of these songs is a motif of scenic and animal imagery, evoking in the listener a strong connection to the natural world. Animal Alphabet described this interaction between man and nature as an important element to their music--McGorman, the principal songwriter, says that for the most part he writes the music separate from the lyrics, waiting until the moment when the right words come along. This restrained approach to songwriting parallels the band’s reserved sounding nature as well.
Animal Alphabet emphasizes their sonic texture and atmosphere rather than their hooks, piano and guitar lay the foundation for Animal Alphabet’s sound, but what really defines it are the sweeping strings and distinctive voice of lead singer Simon McGorman. The cello and bass play against each other not just as a backdrop to enhance the songs, but as an integral part of the songs themselves. McGorman uses his voice as a textured instrument as well, matching the slow drone of the strings throughout the songs. He draws out every word and embellishes every sound. A significant influence on Animal Alphabet is the lush vocal harmonies that characterized pop bands from the sixties like the Beach Boys and the Zombies, and these often contrasting elements illustrate Animal Alphabet’s distinctive attitude toward music.
So take some time out to sit down and listen to these songs. If you like what you hear here, then head over to the band’s EP release party October 8th at Jack Sprat, or check out the band when they play live at The Pinhook on October 21st.
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