The band’s third studio album serves as an allegory for self-discovery and personal growth
Filipino nine-piece band Ben&Ben are treating fans to an early holiday gift with the release of The Traveller Across Dimensions, their much-anticipated third studio album, out now via Sony Music Entertainment.
This concept album integrates music with stunning animated visuals, offering listeners a unique, immersive experience. The Traveller Across Dimensions follows the journey of its central character, Liwanag, as she embarks on an enchanting adventure to find inner peace. As she travels through three symbolic realms—Light, Energy, and Feel—Liwanag confronts trials that challenge her path toward self-discovery.
In addition to Liwanag, the album introduces several other key characters who play integral roles in the narrative. Gabay, a wise traveler, returns to the Light Dimension to serve as a mentor to Liwanag. Puhon, Liwanag’s loyal pet, aids her in navigating the Energy Dimension. Meanwhile, Mahiwaga, another traveller on a parallel quest to complete the Lifecrest, crosses paths with Liwanag in the Feel Dimension. These characters enrich the story, each contributing to Liwanag’s growth and her understanding of herself and the world around her.
A Journey of self-discovery through animation
In a joint statement, Ben&Ben shares that the album’s narrative serves as an allegory for personal growth: “Her story reflects our own journeys through innocence, struggle, and maturity,” the band explains. “In the process, Liwanag learns that the pain of loss is an essential part of the peace she seeks.”
The idea to blend animation with music stemmed from the band’s long-time fascination with visual storytelling, whether through animated films or graphic novels. “Animation has a unique ability to communicate complex emotions and lessons in an accessible way,” they say. “We wanted to explore this medium to push our creative boundaries in the artistic and narrative mold.”
To bring Liwanag’s story to life, the band collaborated with Puppeteer Studios, whose expertise in animation helped realize the visual aspect of the album. “Puppeteer Studios has been an amazing partner,” the band adds. “From the start, they respected both the sonic direction of the album and our vision for the animated world of The Traveller Across Dimensions. Seeing our sketches evolve into full animation was a powerful experience—one that accurately reflected the story we wanted to tell.”
A full circle moment: Songwriting
The Traveller Across Dimensions is a product of deep collaboration within the band, with Paolo and Miguel Benjamin contributing the majority of the album’s songwriting, while percussionist/vocalist Andrew De Pano penned one of the tracks. Notably, the songs were already in progress before the animation was conceived, with the narrative emerging organically from the music. The band describes the process as a “full circle” moment, where the music inspired the story, and the evolving narrative, in turn, helped complete the songs.
“There were high points, but also moments of struggle during the album’s creation,” the band reflects. “We learned a lot about surrendering and trusting in something greater than ourselves, and those themes of wonder, enchantment, and hope are woven throughout the album.”
A sonic evolution: Production
Musically, The Traveller Across Dimensions marks a bold leap forward for Ben&Ben, building on the expansive sound of their previous album, Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno. The new record strikes a dynamic balance between ambition and intimacy, with a sonic landscape that feels more adventurous than anything the band has released before.
Produced by the band and Ziv, with additional contributions from Petra Sihombing, Sam and Tim Marquez, and JP Verona, the album blends diverse genres and innovative sound design. “This album reflects a more mature, genre-blurring approach,” the band explains. “We’re grateful to our producers, particularly Ziv, for ensuring that the sound captured our collective vision—rather than imposing any external influences on the music.”
In terms of production, the album’s tracks mirror the contrasting emotional landscapes of Liwanag’s journey. The chaotic, turbulent moments are matched by heavier, more aggressive arrangements, while the album’s more introspective tracks feature gentler, serene instrumentation, creating a powerful interplay between sound and story.
A Groundbreaking Live Experience
Ben&Ben will bring the world of The Traveller Across Dimensions to life on stage with their first-ever arena concert on December 14, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The concert promises to be an innovative, multi-dimensional experience, blending live music with state-of-the-art multimedia elements inspired by the album.
Produced by Ovation Productions, the concert will incorporate animation, film, and live performances, creating an immersive, audio-visual experience that takes the audience through the album’s narrative in real time. “We’re excited to reimagine the live concert experience, fusing our music with animated storytelling and multimedia artistry,” says Ben&Ben.
Tickets for the concert are now available via SM Tickets, with prices ranging from PHP 1,700 for General Admission to PHP 7,700 for the Liwanag VIP Package.
For more information on Ben&Ben’s upcoming concert and to purchase tickets, visit SM Tickets.
Ticket Prices:
· General Admission – PHP 1,700
· Upper Box – PHP 2,700
· Liwanag Standing – PHP 3,200
· Lower Box B – PHP 3,700
· Lower Box A – PHP 4,700
· Lower Box Premium – PHP 7,700
· Liwanag VIP Package – PHP 7,700
Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions is now available for streaming on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
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