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Akron/Family Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest neo-folk outfit under the tutelage of Michael Gira are the Brooklyn quartet Akron/Family, who make their debut with this self-titled release.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Akron/Family merge shifting, sometimes impressionistic arrangements with limpid lyricism. The result is an elusive -- but strong and deeply fascinating -- debut.
  2. This debut will not be the record of their career and leaves me wanting more already, but it is the right record at the right time and a stupidly profound and convincing debut that is up there with the best releases of the year thus far.
  3. Magnet
    80
    Akron/Family is John Brown's body, the ghost of Tom Joad and the art-school spirit of Andy Warhol crammed into one ornate, mossy mausoleum. [#68, p.100]
  4. Alternative Press
    80
    Conjures images of an organic commune in an alternate galaxy. [Jun 2005, p.164]
  5. The biggest pleasant surprise here, though, is the vocals.
  6. The Wire
    70
    Immaculately interwoven electronics and the care with which each beautifully recorded track unfolds recall Chicago post-rock. [#254, p.53]
  7. Akron/Family has definite talent, but less forced naturalness, tighter song structures and greater emphasis on appealing harmonies could only help the group in its quest to conquer the known musical universe, or, at the very least, the corner organic foods mart.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. LouiseH
    May 21, 2005
    10
    I loved the cd. It was creative and lively out of the box music. Very refreshing. This band really has something going.
  2. JohnP
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    Best album of 2005.
  3. Kevin
    May 22, 2005
    10
    This is easily the best release of 2005 so far; a vastly underrated "debut." Check out "Running, Returning," and "Lumen," these are the best This is easily the best release of 2005 so far; a vastly underrated "debut." Check out "Running, Returning," and "Lumen," these are the best cuts. But they're all good so I command you to buy this! Expand
  4. AdamR
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    amazingly dynamic and eerie album that, despite it's often upbeat southern feel, can inspire me to dreams of the strangest and deepest things.
  5. Ben
    May 20, 2005
    9
    Easily one of the most endearing and admirable release of the year. Tracks like "Italy" and "Franny/You're Human" make this record Easily one of the most endearing and admirable release of the year. Tracks like "Italy" and "Franny/You're Human" make this record extremely addicting and highly impressive. Akron/Family is a band to keep your eye on. They're going to do some great things. Expand