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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Akron/Family
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 12 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 9 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Young God
Release Date: 22 March 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
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.
Also By This Artist: Love Is Simple Meek Warrior Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free
Also On Metacritic
MUSIC: Angels Of Light: Sing 'Other People'
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Neumu.net
Akron/Family merge shifting, sometimes impressionistic arrangements with limpid lyricism. The result is an elusive -- but strong and deeply fascinating -- debut.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
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.
Read Full Review >Magnet
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]
Alternative Press
Conjures images of an organic commune in an alternate galaxy. [Jun 2005, p.164]
Pitchfork
Despite the boundlessness of their instrumentation, Akron/Family maintain remarkable warmth... playing at restrained volumes that invite close listening.
Read Full Review >Prefix Magazine
In a perfect combination of inspired production, innovative instrumentation and transcendent songwriting, Akron/Family is a richly layered and flowing album that is as emotional as it is challenging.
Read Full Review >Splendid
Blending the real and the imagined, live performance and tape manipulation, traditional instruments and skewed found sounds, Akron/Family carves an eccentrically lovely niche for itself in the ever-expanding psych-folk landscape.
Read Full Review >The Wire
Immaculately interwoven electronics and the care with which each beautifully recorded track unfolds recall Chicago post-rock. [#254, p.53]
Uncut
Intriguing, endearing and, given time, surprisingly addictive. [Jun 2005, p.104]
Mojo
[It] is largely unfettered by the dictates of genre. [Jul 2006, p.106]
ShakingThrough.net
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.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.6 (out of 10) based on 9 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
John P gave it a10:
Best album of 2005.
Adam R gave it a10:
amazingly dynamic and eerie album that, despite it's often upbeat southern feel, can inspire me to dreams of the strangest and deepest things.
Kevin gave it a10:
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!
Louise H gave it a10:
I loved the cd. It was creative and lively out of the box music. Very refreshing. This band really has something going.
Ben gave it a9:
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.
