Biography
Animal Names is an earnest five-piece indie pop band from Vancouver, Canada. Comprised of former members of the Witness Protection Program, The Buzzing Bees and Paper Lanterns; Animal Names blends blissful pop sensibilities, evocative vocal melodies and grungy guitar tone.
After a run in a series of successful indie bands from Calgary, Alberta; guitarist and lead vocalist Chris Van der laan moved to Vancouver to continue writing music. By the start of 2007, Van der laan had soon rallied an ambitious group of musicians to form Animal Names. Accompanying these recruits, a series of new instruments were soon part of the band including two organs, a xylophone, theremin, trumpet, trombone and a series of synthesizers; all present in their recorded output including forthcoming EP, Oh Yes You Better Do. Their full-length album, Ballet Bones, released on Citystarfleet in August 2008 features the single "We Mean Big (Cu Ft.)", which met success among the airwaves of Canadian college radio and CBC Radio 3.
Animal Names possesses a true sense and understanding of modern pop stylings. Keyboardist Melissa Gregerson pairs her voice, clear and classically trained, with Van der laan's, at times coarse and wavering, resulting in melodies rich in depth and feeling. The band leads the listener through a series of musical rises and falls; their penchant for momentous buildups sure to attract fans of modern indie pop including bands like Islands and Death Cab For Cutie. Van der laan's lyrics, light and literary (his influences ranging from classical poetry and Anne Carson to burnt out road signs and botched conversations), are sure to connect with fans of John Darnelle (Mountain Goats) and The Weakerthans.
In summer/fall 2008, Canada will get its first taste of Animal Names as they embark on a cross-country tour supporting the release of Ballet Bones. Oh Yes You Better Do, their recently completed 7 song EP mixed by Vancouver producer Shawn Cole, shows the band's rapid growth and the further development of their own unique take on what makes a pop band. For this newest release, they are currently looking for a label home.
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