Album Review :
Family Force 5 - Business Up Front, Party In The Back
Band: Family Force 5
Title: Business Up Front, Party In The Back
Label: Gotee
Tracklisting:
01. Cadillac Phunque
02. Kountry Gentleman
03. X-Girlfriend
04. Drama Queen
05. Put Ur Hands Up
06. Love Addict
07. Earthquake
08. Replace Me
09. Lose Yourself
10. Peachy
11. Supersonic
12. Numb
Members/Duties:
SOUL GLOW ACTIVATOR (Solomon Olds): Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keys
CROUTON (Jacob Olds)—–Lead Vocals, Drums
PHATTY (Joshua Olds)—–Background Vocals, Bass
NADADDY (Nathan Currin): DJ, Percussion, Keytar
CHAP STIQUE (Derek Mount): Guitar
My first experience with FF5 was a mixed video featuring a few of their tracks mixed into one video. The main song was Kountry Gentleman and the video had me hooked. I had to wait quite awhile to hear more, but once I did the “crunk rock”, as they’ve dubbed it, has secured their spot in my disc player.
The album starts off with “Cadillac Phunque” which drops you right into the midst of the experience. They hit you every sound imaginable but somehow making it fluid and catchy. “Kountry Gentleman” brings a rap-rock track with a catchy pop rock chorus. The whiteboys can definitely flow.
“Drama Queen” has some sweet keys and rhymes. I can’t help but enjoy this song and singin along. “She’s got that Diva thing, that d-i-v-a diva thing”. “Put Ur Hands Up” brings the funk and encourages the “ugly people” to put their hands down. The added tiger roars are pretty sweet as well.
“Earthquake” is probably my favorite track on the album. Mixes the heavy guitars, with new wave keys, and thick drums & bass. Throw in some cheerleaders at the end and you have a masterpiece. “Lose Urself” brings an old rock lick, funky bass, and much more of a new wave feel. Another incredibly deliously pop track.
I can’t believe how much I enjoy this album. I’m glad I am out of my trying to be cool phase. In high school I would have bashed this for sure. But what can I say, I love the 80’s, I love great pop songs, and I love Family Force 5!
Standout Tracks:
“Kountry Gentleman”, “Supersonic”, “Earthquake”
Overall Rating: Hands down one of the most entertaining cd’s I’ve heard ever. It has so much to offer so long as you don’t take it too seriously. Not that the band isn’t talented, for they surely are, but this is a feel-good, have fun type of album. If you’re open to new things then you just may like it. Hey I’m a huge metalhead and I love this album. So should you!
Individual Ratings:
Album Art/Design: The cover gives you a glimpse of what you’re in for. Again I’m sure many will pass it up as a cheesy marketing thing. The cd itself is my favorite piece of artwork on the disc. It’s a gold disc with a skull and keytar’s playing the part of crossbones. I wish they sold that as a shirt because I’d buy it in a second.
Lyrics: Don’t be looking for anything deep here. In the first few listens I had learned most of the choruses and singalong parts. They know what they are doing.
Marketability: So many possibilities for this point. They had a great response at last year’s Christian festival circuit and topped many people’s list. The signing with Madonna’s label will certainly provide them with more exposure than you can imagine. Entertaining videos will even more increase their draw.
Production: Chris Lord-Alge mixed this album. I believe the band also had their hands on the production at times. This album captures each sound presented nearly perfectly.
Vocals: A great mix of sung, rapped, and harmonized vocals. The Old’s brothers blend very well together and are able to capture a variety of vocal stylings.
Similar To: um no one that I can think of… if I combined 10 or so bands I may come close. Um how about some Beastie Boys, Linkin Park, mixed in with some 80’s new wave, and the southern flavors of dirty south rock and rap.
Website
Myspace
Purevolume
Gotee
Buy:
Amazon
