Ben Wigler is a New York City-based animator, filmmaker, producer, and self-described “gnome rocker” who makes interesting music under his art-rock project moniker BenBen. He released a new single, “Color Clouds,” on September 29th from his forthcoming LP, Sincere Gifts, which will be out on December 8th via the great Perpetual Doom.
“Color Clouds” also comes with a cool and trippy animated video created by Italian artist Elia Pellegrini. Check it out below:
“Color Clouds” is a short song, under two minutes, with a cosmically gorgeous duet that highlights BenBen’s dreamy voice and the radiance of his friend and frequent collaborator Erica Mancini. It also features performances by album co-producer Jeni Magana and violinist Camellia Hartman.
BenBen’s upcoming album, Sincere Gifts, will be his second full-length record, and his music effortlessly merges complex arrangements with melodies that stick in your head. Some describe the harmonies in songs like “Color Clouds” as “angelic,” there’s undoubtedly a cosmic/psychedelic aspect to them.
Ben Wigler was previously the lead singer of bands Arizona and New Beard, both purveyors of innovative indie art rock, and I’m told that he’s nervous but excited to step out on his own with BenBen. I don’t think he has much to worry about, though – while the orchestral-style pop is mostly for a niche audience, I imagine many will like the soothing, warm sounds of BenBen’s music.
I also suggest you check out his beautifully designed website here. Knowing that he’s an animator, it’s obvious BenBen has talent as a graphic artist, too.
I listened to the rest of Sincere Gifts, and I think it’s fun music. BenBen’s songs are great for escapism and are sprinkled with tons of pixie dust. Tracks like “Walkins Welcome” are riff-driven rockers, but there are softer touches with tracks like “Endless Summer.” BenBen crafts music for sensitive souls seeking an otherworldly indie rock wonderland to get lost in, and don’t we all need that sometimes? Other great tracks from Sincere Gifts include the moody, surprisingly dark “Murder Pop” and the beautifully crafted “Companion Animal.”
Mark your calendars for the release of BenBen’s Sincere Gifts on December 8, 2023, and watch for any new singles released in the coming weeks. If you’re in New York City, you can also catch BenBen playing live – head to his website to see a calendar of his upcoming shows. Enjoy!
Support BenBen by heading to his official website or finding him on social media (Instagram).
Support Perpetual Doom by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram).
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