Family Men showcase controlled chaos on new industrial rock single “Luxury”
The maelstrom of coiling samples and looping breakbeats creates a cacophony that is juxtaposed by the loose, raucous guitar riffs and waves of broken power electronics that assault the ears. Interspersed within this chaotic symphony are pensive words that are screamed ferociously, attempting to rise above the heavy abrasion. It’s reminiscent of Ministry or Pitchshifter, reinvigorated for the modern era, but with a heightened level of frenetic energy. Despite the apparent disorder, there is a method to the madness. The careful orchestration of this chaos prevents it from becoming overwhelming, a deliberate crafting that defines The Family Men’s latest offering, “Luxury,” and their forthcoming second album, Co/de/termination.
The genesis of The Family Men can be traced back to the childhood meeting of founders Gustav Danielsbacka and Nils Lindgren at music school. Bonding over their shared love of nu metal, they began writing songs together, leading to the eventual formation of the four-piece outfit with Vidar Nilsson and Valdemar Wickelgren Löthman. The band’s evolution into its current incarnation has been a journey of transformation, as Danielsbacka recounts, “We started out playing straightforward garage-y punk until 2020, when we began experimenting with synths and samplers, resulting in the creation of our debut album, No Sound Forever.”
Their distinctive sonic identity has set them apart in Gothenburg’s underground music scene, diverging from the city’s earlier association with Balearic indie pop. Nilsson attributes their unique sound to their skill in collaging tape loops, drawing inspiration from local artists such as Neutral and Monokultur. It was the introduction of an 808 drum machine into their practice space, distorted through pedals, that truly solidified The Family Men’s colossal sound.
While their influences may include familiar names like Skinny Puppy and Slipknot, they also draw inspiration from seemingly unexpected sources like Steely Dan. Danielsbacka credits Steely Dan’s perfectionist approach as a significant influence, which is reflected in the meticulous attention to detail present in their songwriting and structures on Co/de/termination. The upcoming album, set to release on May 8th through Welfare Sounds & Records, showcases a more deliberate incorporation of electronics into their music, a departure from the approach taken on their debut.
The track “Luxury” serves as a bold declaration of the band’s evolution. With a cacophony of instruments melded together by Danielsbacka’s cathartic musings on a world teetering on the brink of destruction, the song encapsulates the album’s overarching themes. Lindgren points out that the album showcases a heavier yet poppier sound compared to their previous work, striking a delicate balance between light and dark that is impeccably translated in their live performances.
Embracing the ethos of their self-proclaimed “Total Harmful Sound,” The Family Men channel an intensity that transcends mere music. In their commitment to giving their all, even to the point of harm, they embody a dedication to their craft that is both awe-inspiring and transformative. With their new material, the band demonstrates a renewed vigor and passion that is sure to captivate audiences on and off the stage.