The duo, who prefer not to be named, but use the pseudonyms Ray and Troy, put two years of pandemic-induced musical frustration aside to head to the studio to record their latest batch of songs.
Occupying a local rowing club on the shores of Otago during the summer of 2021-22, The Fabulists created an eight-song mini-album, entitled Fables Vol 3: Insignificantly Fabulous.
The mini-album, now out released on Bandcamp follows 2020 five-track EP Fables: Vol 1 and 2021’s eight-song Fables, Vol 2: The Devices of Men.
The Fabulists will celebrate the album’s release with a gig tomorrow at the Inch Bar.
Ray and Troy describe Fables, Vol 3: Insignificantly Fabulous as a more cohesive release, with stripped back songs, guitars and vocal harmonies.
Both experienced songwriters, Ray and Troy share the credits (four tracks each) and contribute to one another’s songs, which range from electronic loop-rock, to psychedelia, radio friendly pop and guitar jangle.
"We’re quietly happy with this effort," Ray said.
"Regardless of what sounds or textures we throw at a track, we are confident most of our material would stand up if it were stripped back to its bare bones."
Troy agreed there was "definitely an attention to songcraft’’.
"But, that said, the album is also imbued with a spirit of sonic experimentation,’’ he said.
"We have so many toys to play with, from guitar effects to synths, samplers and drum machines, it’d be a shame not to use them, eh?"
