Frankel is the musical brainchild of Michael Orendy, an L.A. native who named the project after an oversized retainer he wore in 5th grade. Having logged several years as the bassist for multiple SoCal bands, Orendy launched the Frankel project in 2006, drawing upon his pop sensibilities and multi-instrumentalist skills to record the material himself. Chatterbox, his debut EP, appeared in 2006, followed one year later by the full-length Lullaby for the Passerby. Although anchored by piano and acoustic guitar, Lullaby for the Passerby also made room for oddball flourishes, including toy instruments and Theremins. Piano remained at the forefront of 2009's Anonymity Is the New Fame, whose layered orchestral pop betrayed a love for Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman. ~ Andrew Leahey