Family Album

September 15, 2009

On a balcony, somewhere up in the hills against the stunning backdrop of the city, at a spec mansion of sorts that the family (proper) part of Family Album had gained access to for the evening (through the family business), we set up for a few songs. Something about the polished estate, or the band’s matching (30′s?) attire, almost gave me of the feeling of being on set. There is something decidedly old fashioned about the whole thing. And for some reason I kept thinking Chinatown.

This may or may not be your typical family band. But there’s something so indescribably accessible that the true-to-the-name members, Zach and Sarah Rayne, led by brother/frontman Aaron Leigh, bring to the songs and performances. There’s that nostalgic familiarity that calls back to acts like the Carter Family, but with a distinctly modern twist, and that dynamic that only siblings share. Songs that may ramble like a country ballad, beautiful three part harmonies and catchy guitar hooks, with flares of indie pop, and some even darker moments. There is a twang (or even more twang than usual I should say) to these versions, especially the numbers where the bass carries the arrangements along, almost giving it a garden party feel. But the songwriting lends itself well to the country/folky side of things.

Mack and Mike (Flashing Red Lights), who lend a little guitar and bass, respectively, to the band, had to run off to class after a couple quick songs. The siblings played 3 more tunes, with the sun setting over Los Angeles behind. Go check out their studio recordings, you’re sure to get hooked on the infectious variety of indie pop gems.

Find out more about Family Album at www.myspace.com/familyalbum

Camera: Elliot Glass & Allen Kelley
Sound: Elliot Glass
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