Five Best Albums From Family Bands
Words and Picks by Haley Black
We are nearing the end of the holiday season, and whether you love them or they drive you insane, you’ve had to spend a lot of time with the family. Forget about The Partridge Family, Jackson 5, or even The Jonas Brothers; these sibling/family bands are taking over today’s modern alternative, indie, and pop-rock genres and creating a whole new dynamic of artistry. These five albums will make you wish you were born into a musical family, because after all, blood is thicker than water.
Echosmith – Talking Dreams
Young newcomers, Echosmith are made up of the Sierota siblings, Sydney, Graham, Noah, and Jamie. The female fronted pop-rock quartet recently released their debut, Talking Dreams, and unless you were informed, you probably would not guess that they all range from age 14-20. Their youth transcends in every song with upbeat melodies and the high-school eque single, “Cool Kids,” shares the emotion of feeling like an outcast. Although many songs contain such topics, the group managed to show maturity on several occasions. They are going to be a fun band to watch grow up.
The Avett Brothers – I And Love And You
This folk outfit may not be entirely composed of blood relatives, but it is formed and named after Scott and Seth Avett, who are the heart and soul of the operation. One of their earlier compilations, I And Love And You, combines folk and country influences of frequent banjo appearances to add a little southern twang, as well as uplifting, story-telling lyrics.
Haim – Days Are Gone
Sassy sisters Alana, Este, and Danielle Haim’s debut album, Days Are Gone, is a concoction of synth-pop, infused with a girl power rock ‘n’ roll vibe that packs a punch. Their unique, griping vocals and frequent lyrics tackling topics of love and relationships are upbeat and will have you singing into your hairbrush; especially when you hear “The Wire” and “I Can Change Your Mind.”
Tegan and Sara – The Con
These twins have stemmed their signature style from their earlier indie-folk inspiration in So Jealous and The Con, graduating into a more contemporary indie-pop influenced sound with their 2013 release, Heartthrob. Each album by Tegan and Sara is an evolution of their personal and professional growth as well as experimentation and a product of the contemporary generation. Although their most recent album is a phenomenal composition, I prefer their earlier releases. “Nineteen,” “Back In Your Head,” and title track “The Con,” are all personal favorites of mine from the dynamic duo.
Eisley – Currents
The DuPree siblings Chauntelle, Sherri, Weston, and Stacey, along with their cousin Garron have been around the block, beginning making music before Stacey (the youngest) was even 10 years old, and opening for Coldplay in 2003. Their 2013 release, Currents, showcases the groups maturity and growth as they are all currently married in their 20’s with children. Their angelic vocals and whimsical melodies coupled with guitar riffs creates something unlike you have ever heard in the world of indie-rock.
