THE ANIMATORS CREATE MODERN POPULAR MUSIC. Born out of a cross-country collaboration between songwriters Devon Copley and Alex Wong, the Animators make music that is sophisticated but accessible, intelligent but full of heart. The group's appeal is rooted in Copley and Wong's superlative songwriting, drawing on familiar pop and rock influences as well as further-afield sources such as electronica and old-school soul. Tight vocal harmonies are the centerpiece of their creative arrangements, which also include the unusual textures of accordion, glockenspiel, and cajon. Add to the mix a solid and versatile rhythm section that can go from swing to jungle in a single song -- Phil Galitzine on bass, Kevin Rice on drums -- and what emerges is somewhere between Coldplay and Simon & Garfunkel, between the Postal Service and Elvis Costello; familiar, but completely unique. The Animators have been working together for just over two years, but have already made an impressive impact on the American popular music scene. Their self-released debut album, Home By Now, quickly sold out its first pressing and garnered rave reviews from Performing Songwriter magazine and Filter magazine online, among others. Their songs have been featured on MTV's The Real World, Miramax's Comic Book: The Movie, and on independent radio nationwide. And perhaps most telling of all, the Animators have acquired a sizable following among fellow musicians. Now based in Brooklyn, the Animators tour extensively, appearing regularly in such venues as the Living Room in New York, the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, and the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Depending on the venue, their live show can consist of a simple two-man acoustic performance, a full blown rock show, or a more delicate and nuanced chamber ensemble. In whatever configuration, the Animators' appeal crosses generations and transcends genre.