Akron/Family

 Today, March 1, 2023, I thought it might be fun to do a version of something I did decades ago when I was a deejay for Queens College radio: Alphabet Soup. Each week I will spotlight some artists for each of the letters of the alphabet. And thus, this week, I'll present seven bands and solo artists whose name begins with the letter "A"

Akron/Family were an American alt-folk/experimental/psychedelic/post-rock/noise band active from 2002 to 2013. Each of the musicians played multiple instruments and vocalized. Their music incorporated improvisation and the use of "found noise" such as that of a creaking rocking chair, thunder, and white noise.

Though none of the members were native New Yorkers, they became a hub of creativity that revolved around the Gimmel Coffee House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from 2003 - 2007. It was while based in Brooklyn that they came to the attention of Michael Gira of Swans and Angels of Light fame, who signed the band to his label as well as collaborated with them on several projects.

They has already released their eponymous LP in 2005 along with a collaborative LP entitled Akron/Family & Angels of Light same year. I first became aware of them with the 2006 release, Meek Warrior. The opening cut, "Blessing Force" is a wild rave that features wild rhythmic changes, elements of discordant noise and an ebullient chant. Its 9-minute assault ends abruptly and is followed by the pastorally acoustic tune built around the Mahaprajñaparamita Mantra, entitled "Gone Beyond." Other songs such as "The Lightening Bold of Compassion and the closing "Love and Space" evidence their Buddhist inclinations. 

The following year brought Love Is Simple, the opening, "Love, Love, Love (Everyone)" begins with the Tibetan Buddhist teaching that "every precious living being" has at one time been one's mother, so we must "Go out and love, love, everyone." Perhaps my favorite cut from this LP, featuring a glockenspiel, is "Don't Be Afraid, You're Already Dead" which is sung after a verse where they repeat "Don't be afraid, it's only love" leading into the chorus: "Love is simple." 

.Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em Free was released in 2009, followed by 2011's S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT and their final LP dropped in 2013. Throughout their career, the quality of their work never faltered.

ALL THEIR ALBUMS can be found here.