erasing clouds
 

Akron/Family, Love Is Simple

reviewed by dave heaton

Once again Akron/Family's style of evangelism/mysticism is intense. Their new album Love Is Simple is bookended by a little ditty that starts "every precious human being has been a precious parent to you" before building to a rousing chorus instructing us to "go out and love love love everyone." Love in their world is no simple thing, though, despite the title. It's a raging, freewheeling force, judging by the forceful and surprising songs, jams, chants and explosions that are wrapped here within this cloak of love.

The band seems less concerned with demonstrating how many different styles they can pull off, while at the same time doing so much more than ever. "Ed Is a Portal" slaps this fact in your face, as they first jam like they're trying to conjure up spirits, and then let that give way to a gentler wind, before blowing wildly back into the drum beating and chanting. The sharpest songs tend to be the longest ones, where they play and sing with building momentum but also take detours along the way ("There's So Many Colors", especially). Yet they also pack plenty into the shorter ones, like "I've Got Some Friends," with its Hendrix-style blues, eccentric cowboy folk-pop and Eastern meanderings.

Surprise is a big part of their music's appeal, but not in a smoke-and-mirrors way. The way "Lake Song/New Ceremonial Music for Moms" leads into this cacophony of insect sounds, human voices and drums throws me every time, yet they completely glide into it, so it shouldn't. It's more about the bravery of a band that doesn't seem to fear anything. Their music takes you right off a cliff, with their voices, their instruments, or their steadfast devotion to following their muse wherever it takes them.

{www.younggodrecords.com}


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