It is likely that “let me go” is the first phrase many of us ever heard uttered by the Los Angeles based band,Family of the Year, in their hit song, “Hero”. It is just as likely that we might go against their request, as none of us will be letting them go any time soon. With so many bands vying for our attention, FOTY stands uniquely apart from the many, due in part to their tight chemistry both on and off the stage. Just like a family, Joseph Keefe, Sebastian Keefe, Alex Walker, Jamesy Buckey and Christina Schroeter lived under the same roof in Los Angeles while recording their first full-length album, ‘Loma Vista’. When asked about living in such close quarters, they admitted that there was only one bed and one couch in the whole house. Sebastian shared, “It was fun, really fun,” and quickly added, “would never do it again.” Lucky for us, we get to reap the benefits of all their long, meticulous hours in that crowded house on Loma Vista Drive.
‘Loma Vista’ offers a seamless mixture of complementary styles while staying true to its name, just like, yep, a family. You want dance-y? Boom (boom, tap), you got it. Need more melancholy and reflective? It’s there for you, love. Unlike a family, however, FOTY has grown at an excessive rate in only just over three years, having formed in 2009. They have toured with bands such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Good Old War, Mumford & Sons and Bell Brigade. They were selected out of almost 700 bands to open for Ben Folds and the Boston Pops Orchestra in Boston, MA after only two previous live performances as a band. Not only that, but they are already selling out venues in the United States, as well as across Europe.
When asked what they would like to say to their fans, Joseph responded, “We don’t know what we’re doing.” Still, it appears that they are doing it well, and it’s that kind of honesty that gains trust and support from a perceptive listening audience. As Family of the Year‘s music continues to fall on fresh ears, their family of fans will continue to grow, and, even though they don’t want to be our hero, we just might go against them on that, too.
Family of the Year will be playing tomorrow night at 3rd & Lindsley as part of Lightning 100’s “Nashville Sunday Night”. Tickets are still available for the show with The Devil Makes Three and Sturgill Simpson at the 3rd & Lindsley website. Hope to see you all there!
– Adam Naylor
