Family Force 5 burst into the scene in 2005 with a name change (they were formerly called The Phamily) and brought a huge buzz to GMA week. Unfortunately, I missed their showcase. So my first exposure to the crunk rock sound was of the recorded version. The music took a while for me to pay attention. But once I saw them live for the first time, I was hooked.
With excitement building, Business Up Front, Party in the Back was finally released in 2006. Since then, I introduced my friends to Family Force 5, either by being dragged to a concert, or being forced to listen in my car. When the Diamond Edition was released, I gave away my original copy to one of those friends who had also become a fan.
As noted, the live experience is what really caught my attention and put Family Force 5 on my playlist. Looking back, I think the sound that is not "same old same old" may have also been a sizable factor. I moved toward the second full-length release with hesitation. Would the southern-based quintet hold my attention?
After listening to the same songs live for over two years, I caught new music this summer at Creation East and Warped Tour. I sensed my hesitancy right away. Not willing to give up yet, I persevered. After all, this happens a lot when hearing new music for the first time, right?
I paid closer attention after purchasing the Dance or Die EP. I placed it in my car CD player on the way home from Warped Tour. While the synth-infused electronic pop sound was different than the crunk rock I was used to, it was beginning to grow on me. On the date of full-length release, I chose to visit my local super-sized store rather than the local Christian Junk Store that rarely has albums out on the day of release.
The CD was in my car for days before I loaded it onto my mp3 player. I tried to listen to it at work, but found it hard to just sit there. In fact, I was dancing in my head while envisioning Xanadu's dance moves. It's hard to "Get Your Back Off the Wall" sitting down. The 80's flavored dance music, with the exception of ballads "How in the World" and "Share it With Me", pumped me up. The catchy words and jazzed guitars of "Fever" were on repeat and tested the ability of my new car stereo speakers. And my ability to sing, drive, and bop my head at the same time. My only wish is that the album had a higher production value.
My best words of wisdom to you - give it a chance. And come back here for an exclusive interview from the Warped Tour with Chap Stique.
With excitement building, Business Up Front, Party in the Back was finally released in 2006. Since then, I introduced my friends to Family Force 5, either by being dragged to a concert, or being forced to listen in my car. When the Diamond Edition was released, I gave away my original copy to one of those friends who had also become a fan.
As noted, the live experience is what really caught my attention and put Family Force 5 on my playlist. Looking back, I think the sound that is not "same old same old" may have also been a sizable factor. I moved toward the second full-length release with hesitation. Would the southern-based quintet hold my attention?
After listening to the same songs live for over two years, I caught new music this summer at Creation East and Warped Tour. I sensed my hesitancy right away. Not willing to give up yet, I persevered. After all, this happens a lot when hearing new music for the first time, right?
I paid closer attention after purchasing the Dance or Die EP. I placed it in my car CD player on the way home from Warped Tour. While the synth-infused electronic pop sound was different than the crunk rock I was used to, it was beginning to grow on me. On the date of full-length release, I chose to visit my local super-sized store rather than the local Christian Junk Store that rarely has albums out on the day of release.
The CD was in my car for days before I loaded it onto my mp3 player. I tried to listen to it at work, but found it hard to just sit there. In fact, I was dancing in my head while envisioning Xanadu's dance moves. It's hard to "Get Your Back Off the Wall" sitting down. The 80's flavored dance music, with the exception of ballads "How in the World" and "Share it With Me", pumped me up. The catchy words and jazzed guitars of "Fever" were on repeat and tested the ability of my new car stereo speakers. And my ability to sing, drive, and bop my head at the same time. My only wish is that the album had a higher production value.
My best words of wisdom to you - give it a chance. And come back here for an exclusive interview from the Warped Tour with Chap Stique.