Family Portrait - "Dark Roast"

Dark Roast the newest EP from Family Portrait sees a bit of aural changes that seem to be totally fitting of the times. Most notable is the strong presence of electronic drums and a more studio inclined slickness missing from the previous recorded outings. Some of this makes sense when compared to some of their peers and label-mates such as James Ferraro & La Big Vic, though Family Portrait are going in their own direction altogether.

It's nice to see a sonic progression from the group's last outing, this time fully incorporating modern electronic instrumentation into the tunes. "It Turns" retains singer & group leader Evan Brody's distinctive vocal delivery in place, while the title track "Dark Roast" lets the rhythm section take the forefront which lets the slow burning melody relax and follow the crowd a bit. All in totally bumping up a phil collins vibe in my mind mixed with some contemporary songcraft, but that's just me. And I'm digging this.

Family Portrait's Dark Roast EP is available now via Underwater People's.

La Big Vic have been on our radar here for a little while now, but it hasn't been until the group unveiled their 1st full-length, Actually, that they have seemed to really hit their stride. The track above "Mr. Broken Bird" seems to epitomize this. The tune combines the layers of synth textures and keyboard lines drifting in and out of the mix. In the end everything is held together by the motorik drumbeat and singer Emilie Friedlander's (founder of the always excellent Visitation Rites) airy vocals wrapping everything in a cozy tight package. A definite "hit" if I ever heard one that calls to mind elements of classic new wave pop and more experimental strains of kosmische musik.

La Big Vic, "Musica" via The FADER

None of that is too surprising when looking at the credentials the band holds. According to Underwater Peoples (who released Actually) the group's guitarist, Toshio Masuda, "performed in a major label J-Pop band, produced hip hop songs, as well as some commercials and soundtracks before coming to the US. While 3rd member Peter Pearson, dubbed as "the group's synthesist", is an apprentice to Pink Floyd's live sound producer. When one combines Emilie Friedlander (founder of the always excellent Visitation Rights) to the group then you understand where La Big Vic are coming from. Definitely a group to look out for in the future!