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Akron/Family is the next evolution of bands on M. Gira's
Young God Records. Trading in the moody and sometimes challenging
music of The Swans and Angels Of Light for a more ambient
and folky vibe, Akron/Family creates music by which to dream, but
not necessarily to inspire nightmares. Incorporating a definite indie
sensibility, the songs are musically sparse, yet sonically beautiful
and vibrant, belying their seemingly simple approach to composition.
There is a plethora of ambiance included amongst these songs, everything
from playground noises to the simple hum of power lines. Found sounds
sit on equal terms with traditional instruments, a method that creates
music that is involving and fascinating while being enjoyable to listen
to. "I'll Be On The Water" is a prime example of the duplicitous
nature of Akron/Family's music. The actual tune is lovely, a divine
melody carrying brilliant lyrics along with it, all underscored by
breaks into the sound of seagulls above the ocean. All of this is
broken up spontaneously at times with meandering stutters of synthesis
that enhance the gentle mood of the song rather than creating unbearable
tension. Instrumentation on the record is not limited, but rather
another seemingly endless train - incorporating banjos, guitars, strings,
and other unknown sources amongst the panoply of sounds and noises.
Perhaps if Nick Drake had been a bit more relaxed and a bit
less haunted by ghosts unknown, and alive in a technological age like
ours, I think he would have produced music of this same serene splendor.
Akron/Family makes music that creates landscapes more in the vein
of Tim Burton nightmares rather than those of the rakish gore
of Wes Craven. And I can stand behind that. 100%.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Before And Again
2. Suchness
3. Part Of Corey
4. Italy
5. I'll Be On The Water
6. Running, Returning
7. Afford
8. Interlude: Ak Ak Was The Boat They Sailed In On
9. Sorrow Boy
10. Shoes
11. Lumen
12. How Do I Know
13. Franny/You're Human
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