Last spring, we were so blown away by psych-folk band Akron/Family’s self-titled debut, we made ‘em a Band To Watch. Since then, amid a marathon tour the band squeezed in some new recordings during chaotic Chicago studio sesions. The fruits of Ak Ak’s labor come to us 9/25 with the release of Meek Warrior. The album, which features contributions from legendary jazz percussionist Hamid Drake and members of Do Make Say Think and Broken Social Scene, switches gears from plaintive country to tribal jams to wacky jazz. But mostly, you’ll hear beautiful acoustic freak folk with head-scratching lyrics. I know, “freak folk” — so overused. But this folk music is freaky. And Animal Collective is a suitable reference point.
Michael from Young God Records is letting Stereogum premiere the stunning “Gone Beyond.” Here’s how he describes it: “‘Gone Beyond’ is the sort of palliative hymn I’d love to hear while suddenly finding myself drifting through the universe having unexpectedly jettisoned the meat-grinder of earthly existence.” Uh, us too. (FYI — this is the most accessible song on the album. We didn’t want to scare you off with the ten-minute opener “Blessing Force,” which concludes with a brass band’s execution. Or Seth stepping on someone’s trumpet.)
Meek Warrior is priced especially low so buy it. And, if you’re new to the Family, stream Stereogum’s favorite three songs from their last album at MySpace.
You Might Also Like
 Dana Buoy – “Call To Be” |  Akron/Family Steals T-Shirt Logo From Man Is The Bastard,… |  The 10 Most NSFW Videos Of 2011 |  Broken Social Scene Play Last Live Show |
 |
 |
wish I liked this more
the 2 rockers are pretty lackluster and overly long, but the more folkish numbers are solid, esp. “Gone Beyond” and the title track.
“Akron Family dissapoints Devo with their deception”
Read it in the local paper….
Let the Akron/Family backlash begin! They were so cool a year ago, but now they’re not.
Some of you are biggest, nastiest pieces of indie trash I’ve ever seen. You weren’t cool in high school and you’re still not cool no matter how much you want to piss in someone’s Wheaties.
However, I can’t say Meek Warrior has grabbed my attention like the band’s self-titled album or the extraordinary split with Gira, but a lot of the tracks are growing on me.
Great Post. I am digging this track. But these guys are at their best in concert.
when were the akron/family “so cool”
I don’t remember them ever making much of a splash
this song is nice enough but in the larger scheme of things, mostly unmemorable
wow, incredibly boring. a shame, they’re album last year ruled the school. i hope the rest of the album is better, and i’m certain their live show will still melt faces.
Sounds like a Led Zeppelin III B side with the Drop D tuning.