Fiction Family is the merging of two forces, and now this entity is here to reunite in a big way. Fiction Family is the formal moniker given to a band formed by Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and Nickel Creek’s Sean Watkins. The band serves as an intersection of both of these songwriters’ respective projects.
Fiction Family Reunion has all the vibes that might come with a joyous, down home family shindig. This record is homage to the glory ol’ days of visiting those relatives that live in a place that feels stuck in time. This is music that makes you feel good with an aura of familiarity, even if you’re listening for the first time. It should be noted, though, that this music is smart! With a genius lyricist like Foreman at the helm of this project, how can it not be? Thematically, Fiction Family Reunion meanders from romance to social commentary, but not in any sort of cohesive way. This isn’t a concept album.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9klIfULew&list=PLOfvurnne7pWxnNnQzP6R_5N6x2sf02lf&index=1&w=450&h=297]One of the first things you’ll notice when spinning this is how much fuller it sounds in comparison to the project’s debut. “When She’s Near” and “Out of Order,” while both being great songs, don’t hold a candle to the intricate “God Badge” or “Up Against the Wall,” for example. “God Badge” is intricate both in structure and word, a nearly six-minute long message against holier than thou people. The song will make you think on several levels. Contrast this with the simply melancholy “Never Call” and the hoedown ready “Just Rob Me.”
The balance of the album is whimsical and all over the map – it’s strength and its downfall. “Avalon” is pensive in mood and word; “…it starts to feel like mythology / banging at my door / I can hear legend calling me / like I been here before” Foreman ponders. “Guilt” provides a valuable life lesson while carrying the pensive mood of the album opener over. “Give Me Back My Girl” is a fun angsty jam that is, well, about winning back a romantic interest. The song calls out demons both metaphorical and literal standing in the way of love. “Reality Calls” speaks of avoiding the inevitable, while “Fool’s Gold” wistfully communicates such deep poetry as “You’re shining like fool’s gold / Shining like fool’s gold / You’re out digging for what’s left of our souls / In the ashes of rock and roll.” Brilliant.
If not owning a concept album doesn’t bother you, you should get this album. Get it even if it does – Fiction Family Reunion does a masterful job of appealing to fans strewn all about the rock/folk spectrum.
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