Beigy Blur (Zunior/March 2005), the solo debut by singer/songwriter/guitarist Ben Gunning (ex-Local Rabbits), is born of a fiercely independent vision and approach: that singer/songwriting can only remain a vibrant part of pop culture if it contends with modern sounds and themes. His new material, a logical evolution of his contribution in Local Rabbits, explores tribulations of individuality, technology, division of labour, competition, and so forth with sympathy, frustration and humour. In addition, it has a good beat. He has begun performing with a 3, 4, and 6 piece band in and around Ontario in support of the album. Ben Gunning, now living in Toronto, Canada, is a founding member and has been the principle composer/singer of Canadian cult band Local Rabbits since 1992, recording four records with the group, each of which ranked within the top ten on the Canadian College Radio Charts. Local Rabbits' Basic Concept stayed at number one for four consecutive weeks soon after its release. Their rigorous touring with such groups as Sloan, Thrush Hermit, and The Rheostatics brought them both critical and popular acclaim. Ben contributed to albums by the Rheostatics (guitar), Neko Case (co-writing on "Set Out Running") and Thrush Hermit (guitar), and toured with Neko as a guitarist, including dates on the Lilith Fair tour. He also worked extensively over the past two years as a composer/producer with Ottawa R&B artist Alanna Stuart.
