Faun Fables

The Profile

Faun Fables is an American folk/experimental duo led by singer Dawn McCarthy with multi-instrumentalist Nils Frykdahl. Formed in the late 1990s in California, the group is known for theatrical, mythic-tinged folk releases on Drag City, including Early Song (2004), Family Album (2004), The Transit Rider (2006), Light of a Vaster Dark (2010), and Born of the Sun (2016).

American folk duo formed in 1997; led by Dawn McCarthy with Nils Frykdahl; based in California; releases on Drag City; noted for theatrical, narrative performances such as The Transit Rider.

A single review praises Born of the Sun’s flute-forward, pagan-folk atmosphere reminiscent of The Wicker Man. It threads British folk, occult tinges, and pastoral psychedelia with memorable, skeletal arrangements. Dawn’s voice is spotlighted, evoking Sandy Denny, Vashti Bunyan, and Grace Slick. Highlights include “Madmen & Dogs,” “Goodbye,” and “Wild Kids Rant.”