Famy - We Fam Econo

Mind you, until late 2013 it looked as if these mysterious customers had dropped entirely off the map. A vow of silence lasted over 12 months, while Bruce and Arthur Yates from the band diverted their attention to more of a joke project, the equally hype-gaining, disco-shoed Los Porcos. The big chunk of nothing that defined Famy’s productivity last year might have damaged them in the short term, but if as suspected they spent their time perfecting ‘We Fam Econo,’ it was time well spent. This is a collection of spirited songs that given their gung-ho mentality sometimes come out flawed but charming all the same.

The bulk of the record emerged from a romanticised session in an abandoned church, during a miserable summer where only these two weeks witnessed balmy evenings and blistering afternoons. Not that it particularly shows. Famy sound like they’re having the time of their lives, no question, but these tracks don’t give themselves over to an essential summer soundtrack of sorts. That’s a plus, as it plays out: ‘A Ho A Hand’ could merit as an alternative Christmas anthem, even though the only thing lacking from its barn dance rejoice is an actual yodel. Bruce Yates vocals’ don’t follow strict enunciation. Most of the time he’ll be found howling, chanting or reaching a falsetto that sounds as if he’s accidentally swallowed his Adam’s apple. He’s at his best on ‘Ava’, a spine-tingling song about inner turmoil that dresses itself up as a Mumford-approved stadium reckoner. “Now I got the devil inside / this one made a pig of me,” he sings when at his most upfront. The echo-bouncing church wall production only elevates emotions, but ultimately this is songwriting that can survive in any environment. Any band capable of sitting on this gem for two good years deserves a round of applause. Especially since it was penned just before Mumford and Sons went global - yes the bands are made of very different parts, but ‘Ava’ slots right into the landscape.

‘We Fam Econo’ scatters its strengths and dances up to them with tracks that aren’t shy of repeating old tricks. ‘Arjun’ and ‘A Ho A Hand’ share almost the exact same chord sequence, and just like any record coming out on one solid recording session, ideas overlap. The rousing ‘Donkey’ runs close, but there needs to be another ‘Ava’ - another balancing act between arena-ready and overflowing with angst - to merit this being a special, game-changing debut. No doubt it’s been worth the wait, however. In the right hands, this marks the beginning of something special - moments of brilliance cement that fact.

Tags: Album Reviews, Reviews, FAMY, Transgressive