New York-based Akron/Family is the type of band that can pull off freak-folk-psychedelic-indie-progressive-blues all in the same elated breath without sounding incredibly confused. Come across the experimental rockers in music press, and you’re likely to find comparisons to other contemporary favorites such as Animal Collective, Yeasayer, and Vetiver. But Akron/Family manages to pull off its own sound, utilizing copious strains of influence from that broad “experimental” realm. Think anything ranging in between heavy metal and jazz.
Akron/Family has a penchant for consistently inconsistent albums. While their self-titled debut was restrained and surreal with simultaneously tense and languorous songs (gems include “I’ll Be On The Water,” “Italy,” and “Afford”), 2006’s Meek Warrior was the band’s fully functioning, almost entirely instrumental antithesis to their debut. Love is Simple, their third album, was potentially the most melodically accessible, but still took some ambitious directions toward a heavy, unchecked sound. So, not surprisingly, Akron/Family’s new Set ‘Em Wild Set ‘Em Free, is another anomaly for an already anomalous band. This time around, Akron/Family embraces the chaotic energy of free-style jazz and noise-laden ecstasy.
The album begins with “Everyone is Guilty,” a heavy opener with funk overtones ranging from trumpets to shrill violins, flutes, and wailing electric guitar. “River” is instantly likable, slamming out lyrics like “…you and I and a flame make three…” over unadulterated instrumentation and satisfyingly disjointed melodies. “The Alps and Their Orange Evergreen” and “Set ‘Em Free” return to the sweet and easy folk harmonics of preceding albums, clearly constituting the most restrained, digestible tracks. “The Alps and Their Orange Evergreen” is blissful and poignant, with an achingly sweet mandolin melody running alongside the vocal croon. “Set ‘Em Free” comprises the title track gracefully with gorgeous acoustic guitar, bedding easy electric string work and a clean harmony.
“Many Ghosts” is easily one of the album’s best tracks. The synths are intricate and extensive, swirling through flawless vocals and dreamy chorus backup. At times other tracks are volatile, overwrought, and capricious, and, in the case of “MBH” and “They Will Appear,” even harsh and amateurish. Some songs digress into moments of hyper-aggressive instrumentation (dubbed as “free” jazz, though a more appropriate term would be something like “freeeeee” jazz), making listening downright uncomfortable. “Gravelly Mountains of the Moon,” for example, is raucous, heavy, uncooperative, and maybe a little out of hand. “MBF” is another manic number, and, unless you find yourself in the middle of a particularly intoxicating personal rant, you might not feel compelled to put it on repeat. Yet this chaotic aesthetic is far from something to complain about: both tracks are evidence of a band that steers clear of tired genres and sappy melodic cop-outs.
Bottom line, aside from all the technical-review-red-tape, what I really really want to emphasize is the subtle genius of Set ‘Em Wild Set ‘Em Free. It’s a solid, versatile album, immersed in dry, moody abrasion and free style instrumentation, yet still a sensual delight. Regardless of your musical aesthetics, Set ‘Em Wild Set ‘Em Free is guileless and undeniably fierce.
Track List
1. Everyone Is Guilty (5:57)
2. River (4:45)
3. Creatures (4:13)
4. The Alps & Their Orange Evergreen (3:51)
5. Set 'Em Free, Pt. 1 (2:37)
6. Gravelly Mountains of the Moon (7:40)
7. Many Ghosts (4:04)
8. MBF (3:14)
9. They Will Appear (6:28)
10. Sun Will Shine (Warmth of the Sunship Version) (5:12)
11. Last Year (1:39)
