Goth Reviews: Akron/Family

Akron/Family SET ‘EM WILD AND SET ‘EM FREE (Dead Oceans) http://akronfamily.com

Spike: This band, partially rooted in Williamsport, continues to stay fresh. Their stream-of-consciousness process is to take fragments of melodies and rhythm from multiple genres, from Africa to America, then build into an estimation of a classic pop song or a motet, then play that out before morph into another improvisation. They’re always colorful, always unpredictable, which baffles people who are expecting a knock-off of Dave Matthews or the Grateful Dead. While Akron/Family competes with those artists, they’re really on their own trajectory. They tour constantly, and they’ve built their own brand.

Goth Woman: If I were to compare A/F to other bands, I’d pick Gong, the 70s European gypsy-hippie refraction of The Grateful Dead. A/F also lays out their albums like Porcupine Tree, but, I agree with you. A/F has their own identity. They’re also fond of mixing rock arrangements with ethnic and fringe instrumentation.

Spike: As usual, the packaging is brilliant. You get the full effect on the gatefold vinyl record version. This may also be their best production ever. I find new favorites every spin. So far it’s “Everyone is Guilty,” which is like an Afro-beat Yes touched with hard rock Beatle-breaks and a Philly-Soul postlude.

Goth Woman: My cut is “River.”

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