[rating=3.50]
It is great to literally hear the walls of genre coffining labels collapse when Akron/Family starts a’rolling. Their newest release Set’Em Wild, Set’Em Free isn’t as experimentally weird as past efforts, but still brings enough freak with their Nuevo-hippy folk to keep listeners on edge. The “Higher Ground” infused “Everyone’s Guilty” starts things thumping along with a repetitive groove and chanting vocals. The voice play on this album is intricate and at the forefront. It contains excellent harmonies, lyrics that are secondary to the sound of the vocal, and group chanting. The meaning of what is being said is a mystery, but the tone it how it is conveyed is vital and successful.
Set’Em Wild, Set’Em Free has a few tracks that sound half finished (“Sun Will Shine”) but overall it is a communal offering, taking up a camping trip with close friends and lover’s vibe especially evident on “River” “Many Ghosts” and “Creatures”. “Gravelly Mountains of the Moon” kicks back in the frantic energy and cacophony with a multitier run around the block while the instrumental “MBF” adds a bit of noise metal to the mix. “They Will Appear” flows with the most ease from section to section showcasing the crisp vocals, complexly messy interplay and joyous climax, ending as a highlight of the album.
There are far too many instruments in every song to mention them all, but what is worth mentioning is the cover art, my favorite of the year so far. The American flag with white paint burst in place of stars is simple, direct, powerful, everything a classic cover should be. Akron/Family’s music is scattered all over that flag; modern day America, ideally free from labels and constantly growing.
