Okay, so this “show” was interesting.
Family Force 5 is a band from Atlanta, Georgia who are categorized as “christian crunkcore”, even though I have no idea what that means. Nothing about this band suggest christian to me. If anything it suggests a prescription for ADD medication and a hold on the red bull. I did a little research and apparently three of the five members are brothers whose father was an 80′s christian artist. The brothers started as a boy band and eventually went through puberty and decided to change their style a bit. Granted, their music is still very pop; but the rock edge widens their demographic. Either way, I like this band. They are the perfect band for high energy, mindless entertainment. Their songs talk a lot about where they are from, how they were raised, dance parties, and mullets. Awesome.
I discovered FF5 years ago when I saw them on Jimmy Kimmel performing. The singer, Soul Glow Activatur’s voice reminded me a bit of Zack de la Rocha from Rage Against the Machine, which originally developed my interested in this band. In 2006 they released their first full length album: Business Up Front, Party In The Back. I remember loving this CD – ever dance party was hosted by FF5. In 2008 they released Dance or Die, which was a bit disappointing. The album was toned down a bit and almost sounded like a different band. It took a while for this album to grow on me. Now, I do have my share of favorites on this album.
Attending a FF5 show, is like finding a needle in a haystack. This band either tours as an opener for a large band, where tickets are sold out the second they can be purchased, they do not stop near where I live, OR they have some dumb scavenger hunt chance to win tickets. Therefore, after years of royally failing at ever getting to see this band live, I finally won (yes, I had to enter to win tickets) tickets to this show. The show at Gibson Showroom was actually a promo deal with some reality web channel. FF5 put on a concert for the website and the huge crowd of 35 people were there to give the illusion of a huge audience.
I attended the show with a couple of friends. After finding the showroom, we felt like we were in the wrong place; there were barely any cars and it was a dark industrial area. After seeing the tour bus, we felt comfortable that we were at least in the area. We found the entrance and waited in line behind two girls who were wearing plaid flannel shirts and rubber bands around their heads. After overhearing them talking about the homework they still needed to do and being excited about getting their driver’s permit; my friends and I realized that we were probably going to be the oldest people at the show (which explains the abundance of parking). When we got to the front we “checked in” “Yes, I won!! Me and the 34 high school freshmen”. I got my hand “X” (I guess it made more sense to X the – instead of the under-agers), and we entered. The showroom is just that – Gibson uses this area to probably give demos on new arrivals. There were guitars all over the walls and some nicely decked out pianos. Feeling old, my friends and I instantly went to a table (the “bar”) and ordered a beer each. “How much,” we asked. “Free”, said the 12-year-old girl behind the table. “Sweet!” we cheered (yes, we cheered). Free show, free beer – why can’t all shows be like this?
After waiting for an hour the show FINALLY began. The band members with strange names (Soul Glow Activatur, Phatty, Nadaddy, Chap Stique and Crouton) all jumped out and began singing about dance parties, collared greens, and ugly people. The first song was great, but once the lead singer put on blinged out hulk gloves the show took a different turn. I feel bad laughing at concerts, especially when I actually like the music; but once the gloves came out I couldn’t stop laughing…for a long time. Even though there were a few strange incidences (including a random dad who knew all the lyrics and even had his own dance moves – which was awesome by the way) the performance was great – the band was full of energy, they had great sound, and it’s always nice to have the more intimate setting at a show. I’m excited to see this show again; preferably a place where I can put my dance shoes on and challenge some kids dad to a dance off. I wonder when the next contest and/or scavenger hunt for tickets will be?!?!?!?
I would recommend people checking out their first album. Lyrically, the album isn’t very meaningful, but the music has a great beat and is perfect “good mood” music.
On somewhat of a side note, Family Force 5 recently released a Christmas album entitled Christmas Pageant. I’ve only had the chance to hear samples of each songs, which are the typical christmas remakes, but with the typical FF5 sound it’s pretty original and funny (in a good way). Not being a huge christmas album purchaser, I may never hear this full album but if I do I will be sure to let you all know my thoughts.
