Would you be interested in hearing how the sounds of Arcade Fire, A Sunny Day In Glasgow, and Rilo Kiley would blend together? If you are even contemplating a “yes,” then give Family of the Year’s debut album, Songbook, a good listen. It is full of electronic tendencies, while still retaining this undeniable acoustic rock image. Family of the Year are a group of incredibly well dressed young twentysomethings with individual musical talents to boot. No, no, not trendy Urban Outfitters hipsters, but kids with genuine style and talent. The sextet’s debut is one of the freshest records to roll out of a Los Angeles suburb in a long while.
“Psyche or Like Scope” has an undeniable Muse-gone-disco vibe to it. It is strikingly different from the rest of Songbook. While the album has a clear ‘70s flair to it, this track takes the group’s credibility to another level. Perhaps the incomprehensible, echoing lyrics are a recurring aspect that Family of the Year strives to achieve on their debut. On “Castoff,” one is reminded of a cross between Arcade Fire’s “Haiti” and A Sunny Day in Glasgow’s “White Witch.” It’s a beautifully arranged piece, with countless sounds to appreciate, but the vocals are still confusing. However, as the record progresses, the distorted vocals kind of grow on you.
Songbook has a little something for everyone, which is surprising for a debut album. Usually, one expects a single sound or theme running throughout, but these guys just go wherever they please, much to my ears’ pleasure. On “I Played Drums on This,” I had to check and remind myself of what I was listening to. I almost took this track for something Courtney Love might come out with, just without the smoky, angry vocals. I promise there is still a lot there without the crazy singing.
“Let’s Go Down” is one of the album's strongest tracks. It’s up-beat and bubbly, and incorporates hand-clapping and whimsical vocals that are more a cappella against some light acoustic guitar. Well, that is until the chorus hits. It has lyrics about going to the country, bathing in holy water, and reading books about serial killers. Wow. There is a crazy combination going on here, but what’s not to love?
“Charlie Song” is perhaps the best representation of Family of the Year’s incredible style and talent. There are male and female vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, beautiful piano, and slight drumming. There is so much going on in this four-and-a-half minute track that it can sound inaccessible at first blush, but I promise it is worth some patience. Best to give this one a few listens to glean and enjoy it in its full grandeur.
While this album was released late this fall, it hardly fits in with this time of the year. Nearly all of the tracks on Songbook are reminiscent of the renewed sense of happiness and adventure that accompanies the arrival of spring and summer, rather than the gloom of winter. So, feel free to listen to this album all through the winter, but really wear it out when June finally rolls around again. It seems like the perfect soundtrack for a trip to the beach to surf, or to the park for a picnic with a few good friends.
Track List:
1. Feel Good Track of Rosemead (4:05)
2. Lets Be Honest (5:16)
3. Treehouse (3:23)
4. Putting Money and Stuff (3:12)
5. Stupidland (2:32)
6. Summer Girl (3:18)
7. Suprise (2:43)
8. No Good At Nothing (4:38)
9. Charlie Song (4:34)
10. Intervention (Staple Jeans) (3:54)
11. I Played Drums On This (4:05)
12. Castoff (2:54)
13. Psyche Or Like Scope (4:39)
14. Lets Go Down (3:53)
15. Jamesy (3:07)
