By Susie Salva
Atlanta-based alt. rock the electric Family Force 5 (FF5) releases their futuristic sophomore effort, “Dance Or Die", on Transparent Media Group/EMI with amazing results. They are already topping the charts debuting at #30 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart and an unbelievable #8 on the Alternative Rock chart. These guys are anything but common blowing off the doors on this disc that is a combination of Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, and Electronica. The band is so dynamic that they will have you jumping up off your feet replete with rippling rhythms, assaulting electronics, raucous rock ‘n roll and an all encompassing futuristic sound. Their music is a breath of fresh air and oozes with over-the top illustrations, charging out of the gate with funky rhythms, percolating club grooves, undeniably infectious hooks and instantaneous
sing-a-longs. This is definitively a keeper.
There’s a delicate balance between the intertwining worlds of artistry, entertainment and humor, but for Atlanta’s best dressed alternative rockers Family Force 5 it’s an ecstatic equilibrium that remarkably illustrates all three elements, as proven after one listen to “Dance Or Die,” CD. They are thoroughly captivating and had me completely won over.
“Listening to Family Force 5 is like lighting a cluster of firecrackers in your mouth,” offers guitarist Derek Mount (known to fans as Chap Stique), recommending a spin of “Dance Or Die,” over that daredevil antic. “This album provides a connection and an escape, and it’s guaranteed to make your booty shake and your head bang. It’s greasy, slimy and soupy, yet still very slick and shiny at the same time.”
The title track and CD opener, “Dance Or Die,” is the pairing of Electronica and R&B asking the question of trying to survive as if your life depended on it. “Get Your Back Off the Wall,” follows up using Hip Hop sounds with Scream-O antics. The song alludes to commentary on the war for not wanting to back down in the face of impending doom. From the sci-fi textures of “Fever” and the thrash-tinged robotic rocker, “Radiator” to its ultra-contagious title track, “Dance Or Die,” has been described as “a musical version of “Mad Max” meets, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” “Share It With Me,” has pop overtones putting forth emotions toward the one that has broken his heart. This is one song relying on pop grooves. “Die 4 You,” has a driving beat similar to that of the White Stripes where one that bites the bullet and suffers.
“The album title and imagery transport the listener into a dire life-or-death situation. Each song unites that urgency with a danceable beat, so get to steppin’ or you’ll be extinct,” explaings front-man/guitarist Solomon Olds (Soul Glow Activator).
Family Force 5 is: Solomon “Soul Glow Activator” Olds – vocals, guitar, Jacob “Crouton” Olds – drums, vocals, Joshua “Fatty” Olds – bass, vocals, Derek “Chap Stique” Mount – guitar, and finally Nathan “Nadaddy” Currin – keyboards, turntables.
After garnering rave reviews on the Vans Warped Tour ’08, Family Force 5 looks forward to their headlining a “Dance Rawr Dance 2” club tour this fall with Danger Radio and Play Radio Play. The tour begins on October 6 in Raleigh, NC and will continue to more than 20 cities throughout October and into November.
These guys are definitely worth a listen as their music has a magic way of growing on you. This is one band that you will want to get on the bandwagon so you can say you heard them first. They provide the excitement of a burgeoning alternative rock band. Pick up, “Dance Or Die,” or make your way to one of their tour dates. To find out more on FF5 and listen to their music please go to www.myspace.com/familyforce5.
