Akron/Family - Corner Hotel, Melbourne (Dec 10th)

22 December 2009 by Jess White

A psychedelic tribal folk experience is how one would describe an Akron/Family concert.

In Australia for the first time, the excitement around the corner for Akron/Family was intense. The backdrop to the stage at the corner was a reworked American flag with swirled stars and a psychedelic edge, being the artwork from their latest release and what they are out here to promote being their 4th album Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free.

Opening with Gravelly Mountains of the Moon, the vocal harmonies of this trio were on fine display and seemed like the perfect start to the show. However midway through this track, they switched from folk to metal and then returned back to folk leaving the crowd bemused. Any punter who thought they were going to hear studio versions would have left disappointed, as gone are the 4-5 minute songs, and in there place are 8-10 minute freak out versions. There were no pauses between songs only segues, prolonged jams and percussion.

Over the course of the next 90 minutes Akron/Family would continue this mash up, with all three members swapping instruments during the night, creating “organised chaos”. Each member of Akron/Family took their turn at centre stage, but it was Miles Seaton (bass player amongst others) who grabbed the attention of the crowd the most due to his use of vocals harmonies, crazed bass lines, tribal percussion, keys, effects’ pedals, synth and even a megaphone over the course of the set.

Midway through the set the banter between the crowd and the band came to life with sayings such as “Feel free to move around, there’s no seat belt signs. This is all first class.” And “OK, this is the part where you all decide if you’re coming with us.”

Shortly after the banter; support act Fabulous Diamonds joined the band for one song of double percussion and double keys, which had one spaced out teenager dancing side of stage in a frenzy that would have had his mother worried about what he had taken earlier on.

The set mostly leaned towards songs from Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free with River probably the highlight of the opening set; the shakers, percussion, pulsating bass line, rhythm guitar and vocal harmonies showcasing the best of this eccentric band from New York.

Encore closer Ed is A Portal, off their third LP “Love is Simple” was a great choice as the melodic rhythm and driving drum beat, complete with break down left the crowd buzzing on their way home.

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