Folk101 sets up our review of Akron/Family’s new album, and together we pop in to the Southern European Travel section to learn about Fado music.
Last year a good friend of mine turned me on to a great young indie-folk band named Akron/Family. Their self-titled album was definitely one of Folk101's favorites for all of 2005.
Akron/Family is a group of four guys from little towns who moved to the big city of New York in the hopes of making music. Once there, they became de facto monks while recording approximately three albums worth of material and growing disturbingly long beards.
The product, however, could not sound more inspired. Their music is a mix of traditional folk, indie sensibilities, and a grab-bag of unusual effects culled from such "instruments" as rusty porch swings and various metal utensils. The result is a beautiful, cathartic expression of true musical innovation.
Now they are back with a new album that was just released this week, called Meek Warrior. On first listen, the record seems to push the envelope of experimentation even further. This album, for example, features two lengthy instrumental tracks that are intense to say the least. Fortunately, however, somehow the band manages not to lose its traditional foundation. Overall the album is great and Folk101 can't wait to tell you all about it.
Also, here at Suite101, we writers like to look out for one another and let our readers know what is going on in other sections of the website. This week Barbara Rogers put together an interesting article on the traditional Portuguese music known as Fado. It is an urban style of folk song. Check out her article here.
Well another week comes and goes. The leaves are changing. Enjoy yourselves. Stay safe. Put on some relaxing tunes, and we'll talk to you soon.
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