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Animation History
The Formative Years Animation was founded in 1980 by Eric J. Charles, Stephen S. Liller, Gregory D. Barninger and Allen Swope. The objective of the project was to create an original sound inspired by the members' diverse backgrounds in various musical styles and influences. The quartet started out by writing and performing instrumental compositions motivated by their rock, jazz and classical roots. This resulted in a dynamic, fusion oriented progressive sound consisting of pulsating rhythms, melodic bass lines, outstanding guitar solos and skillful keyboard work. The virtuoso solos exchanged between keyboards and guitar where anchored by the solid yet varying rhythms of the bass and drums. This philosophy is evident in some of the early arrangements such as Ala Mode, Pulsar, Time Echoes, Mars Dance and Halfway There. The members' love of Science Fiction and Fantasy literature provided the imaginary scenery for these inventive and experimental arrangements. This direction was pursued by the band for the first three years of it's existence. In 1983 the band expanded their musical possibilities with the addition of vocalist David Wilson. Many of the existing songs were re-written and re-arranged to include lyrics composed by Charles, Liller and Wilson. The introduction of a vocalist into the project also sparked a desire to compose new songs. The next year was spent adding more songs to the bands repertoire. The song list expanded to include approximately thirty-five to forty compositions. Some of the new arrangements featured lyrics reflecting the experiences and hopes of the composers. Kings and Thieves, Dream For Tomorrow and Atlantis are excellent examples of this era in the band's history. However, the element of Science Fiction and Fantasy remained intact. The introduction of a vocalist into the project also gave the band the advantage of being more acceptable to local venues. Up until this point the band found it difficult to find places to perform. Most clubs in the area where against the idea of hiring an act that did not conform to the standard corporate cookie-cutter image. Animation was able to find gigs at local clubs whose owners had a more visionary outlook and were willing to promote original artists. The band also received air time and was interviewed on local college radio stations. Trouble In Paradise A difference of opinions and political forces within the band were responsible for the exodus of drummer Gregory Barninger in 1985. The other four members attempted to continue the project with a new drummer. Bassist Allen Swope left shortly thereafter. Vocalist David Wilson relocated to another state and the band eventually dissolved as the remaining members pursued other projects. During the next few years Barninger and Swope continued to work together with other musicians, Liller formed a band that played the local club circuit and Charles embarked on a solo venture. Re-Inventing The Wheel In 1986 Barninger, Charles and Swope reunited to rebuild Animation with a new vocalist. Swope left the band again due to outside circumstances and was replaced with a new bassist. After much consideration Charles and Barninger decided to rename the band Dragon Fire and play a more commercialized style of music along with some of the Animation "classics". Dragon Fire competed in a local Battle-Of-The-Bands competition where they advanced to the regional finals. Dragon Fire disbanded in 1986 when Charles moved to New York City to resume his solo career. The Spirit Lives On While working on his solo career in New York, Charles was joined by drummer Barninger for some studio sessions in the "Big Apple". Inevitably, the conversations between the former band mates returned to the subject of Animation. In the fall of 1987 Charles returned to the Lancaster area with the intention of revitalizing Animation with the assistance of the original drummer. While searching the local music scene for a bassist, they discovered and recruited Lawrence Flowers. The trio soon discovered that they shared the same artistic and philosophical point of view. The relationship between the three musicians soon re-kindled and enhanced the original spirit of Animation. A keyboardist was added to the lineup. Eric, Greg and Lawrence soon realized that the vision of Animation could be better presented as a trio. Working as a trio, the band was able to redefine and improve upon the original Animation arrangements. New ideas and songs took shape and number of new compositions, written by Charles during his hiatus as a solo performer, were added to the collected works of Animation. During the subsequent years, Animation took advantage of the advancements in music technology. The members of the band began multi-tasking. Barninger enhanced his role in the band by adding electronic percussion elements. Both Charles and Flowers incorporated keyboards and other electronic instrumentation into their performances. Animation continues it's evolutionary process. Past band members have reappeared briefly and current members of the trio have taken sabbaticals to work with other musicians. At times it seemed that Animation would not survive the trials and tribulations of the era. But the Spirit of Animation and the forces that gave birth to that Spirit over twenty years ago lives on.
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ANIMATION - EXPERIENCE FUTURE ROCK