Animal Frequencies by The Dodo Appreciation Society – A Wildly Inventive Debut

The Dodo Appreciation Society, the Northampton-based duo of Neil Saunders and Sam Sherwood, have released their debut album Animal Frequencies, and it’s a delightful plunge into a musical world shaped by the animal kingdom. Dropping on June 4th, 2025, this project marks a major milestone for the pair, capturing the depth of their songwriting and the playful spark that defines their work.

Recorded at Backland Studios in East Northamptonshire with producer Christopher Barns — affectionately dubbed “the third dodo” for his passionate involvement — Animal Frequencies presents a series of songs where each track is dedicated to a different creature. The result is a sonic safari that moves from the doomy throb of The Sex Life Of A Slug to the honky-tonk shuffle of Shrimp, the country charm of Prison For A Frog, and the chaotic burst of Wasp In The Bedroom.

Musically, the album is an eclectic tapestry. Influences range from the experimental edges of The Residents to the ferocious energy of Cannibal Corpse, with nods to Weezer, Primus, and The Presidents woven throughout. This fusion of styles is matched by an adventurous use of instrumentation — cajons, synths, acoustic guitars, and playful effects all make appearances, expanding the sonic palette far beyond a traditional rock setup.

The Dodo Appreciation Society formed in mid-2022, united by a shared love of dodos and an eagerness to explore new musical territory. Animal Frequencies feels like the culmination of that creative bond. It’s a project that not only reflects their live energy but also dares to surprise at every turn. As one friend of the band put it, this is “Dodos 2.0.”

For music enthusiasts seeking something fresh, vibrant, and unapologetically original, Animal Frequencies offers a listening experience that’s as fun as it is inventive. The Dodo Appreciation Society have set a high bar for themselves with this debut, and if this release is anything to go by, the future is looking bright for these two.