The Ben Gunn Society
Sovereignty
© 2007 The Ben Gunn Society (616892932628)
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Honest music for romantics.
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You'll be surprised, amused and entertained! The Ben Gunn Society joyfully delivers its quirky blend of power pop, garage punk and psychedelic rock. Somewhere between the Grateful Dead and They Might Be Giants, they're something completely different.
The Ben Gunn Society is a loose collaborative of musicians and artists that initially came together to create a song cycle about Ben Gunn, the pirate marooned on Treasure Island who went mad dreaming of cheese. Having exhausted the Ben Gunn theme on their self-titled release, the group followed up with a new concept album, Sovereignty.
Sovereignty means freedom in its many aspects, especially personal and creative liberty.
If Ben Gunn were a Russian with an advanced math degree his madness may have found a similar musical outlet. Igor Koyfman plays with subtle metaphors, naive melodies and ragged rhythms, and the songs just naturally happen. He sings and plays rhythm guitar.
Zarina Silverman is a multifaceted artist with a degree in illustration from Otis College of Art and Design. The Ben Gunn Society marks her first foray into performance art.
Elliott Marx brings in musical expertise. He arranges the songs and also contributes his composing and guitar playing skills, as well as vocal extravaganza.
Also on board: Taeo Marx - drums; Mike Navarrete - bass; Oscar Rene Fuentes - guitar; Joe Bulum - keyboard.
The Ben Gunn Society is based in Los Angeles but has also been seen at Festival de Piratas in Portland, sharing the stage with Captain Bogg & Salty.
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Long awaited follow up...
author: Chris FenwickIt's been nearly four years since The Ben Gunn Society has blessed us with an album. Now it's here, and I am thrilled. I was warned that this album would be a bit different. But everything Ben Gunn Society does is a 'bit different'. And therein lies the charm. The opening instrumental will hook you immediately with its surf rock undertones. Then Igor's honest vocals bring you in further. A few songs later, Zarina (good to see her singing a little more lead stuff on this album) completes the vocal sound. The music sound is really filled out this time around. By the time you get to the track "Dagger" you've gotten a taste of some real rock and roll. It's crisply produced -- you feel like you're in the garage with them. And then "Leonard's Lament" catapults you in whole new direction! This power punk single hurls the album in a completely different path. It reminds me of XTC's classic album "White Music". Ben Gunn's second album is a tad more serious than the first, but still has the quirky charm of their self-titled debut. Their sound has evolved and grown and defies any genre. Listen to the tight musicianship, and you'll be reminded of groundbreaking giant albums like Television's "Marquee Moon". It took me more than one listen to really hear all the ways this album shines. Everytime I listen, I hear some new surprise. The vast variety of styles makes this almost sound like a soundtrack album from various artists, but the production and distinct vocals tie it together. Ever unique and new, yet sometimes hauntingly familiar, "Sovereignty" is gem. Please don't make wait another four years for more!