Weekly Release Spotlight: Akron/Family
Posted on 2/06/2011
Akron/Family
S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey Of Shinju TNT
[Dead Oceans]
S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey Of Shinju TNT
[Dead Oceans]
When you hear an album was composed and arranged in a cabin at the base of an active volcano, there is a certain expectation of power and raw force, and Akron/Family does not disappoint. S/T II: The Cosmic Birth And Journey Of Shinju TNT, the second album following founding member and frontman Ryan Vanderhoof as well as second on Dead Oceans (Phosphorescent, The Tallest Man On Earth) delivers the type of experimental rock we've come to expect from this group of high calibre musicians.
Beginning with a heavy tribal influence in opener Silly Bears, shades of this theme permeate the record, but do not necessarily pigeon-hole the sound. Rather, Akron/Family explore a multitude of sonic textures ranging from screaming guitars to bird songs. Standout fourth track So It Goes, tackles all ends of the spectrum at once, pushing hard and heavy riffs into sugary sweet melodies to great effect. Later, pseudo-Beach Boys style three and four part harmonies are explored in Cast A Net, progressing over fluttering flutes and soft drums. Tatsuya Neon Purple Walkby, midpoint and segue into the faster style shifting second half leads into Fuji I (Global Dub), which seems to channel late-catalogue White Stripes, but Fuji II (Single Pane) brings a temporary air of U2.
Although the style shifting of S/T II: The Cosmic Birth And Journey Of Shinju TNT may seem jarring, it is done effortlessly to the point of subtlety, with enough overarching themes and motifs to tie it all together in one near-experiential package. Sure to please long-time fans and newcomers alike, S/T II: TCBAJOSTNT keeps it fresh while continuing to push out plenty of ear-pleasing sounds.
Beginning with a heavy tribal influence in opener Silly Bears, shades of this theme permeate the record, but do not necessarily pigeon-hole the sound. Rather, Akron/Family explore a multitude of sonic textures ranging from screaming guitars to bird songs. Standout fourth track So It Goes, tackles all ends of the spectrum at once, pushing hard and heavy riffs into sugary sweet melodies to great effect. Later, pseudo-Beach Boys style three and four part harmonies are explored in Cast A Net, progressing over fluttering flutes and soft drums. Tatsuya Neon Purple Walkby, midpoint and segue into the faster style shifting second half leads into Fuji I (Global Dub), which seems to channel late-catalogue White Stripes, but Fuji II (Single Pane) brings a temporary air of U2.
Although the style shifting of S/T II: The Cosmic Birth And Journey Of Shinju TNT may seem jarring, it is done effortlessly to the point of subtlety, with enough overarching themes and motifs to tie it all together in one near-experiential package. Sure to please long-time fans and newcomers alike, S/T II: TCBAJOSTNT keeps it fresh while continuing to push out plenty of ear-pleasing sounds.
Stream: Akron/Family - "Silly Bears"