After listening to Radical Face‘s second full-length album a handful of times, I wrote down what I considered to be the best four songs. I then told a friend of mine, whose opinions on music I value greatly, to listen to the album. He wrote back to me a day later also noting what he considered to be the creme de la creme of the 11 tracks. Our lists were identical. Based on past disagreements, I’m certain that our musical tastes aren’t nearly that aligned, nor do I believe that it was sheer coincidence. While none of the songs on The Family Tree: The Roots are unsatisfactory, the tracks are either outstanding or simply forgettable.
As a whole, the long-awaited follow-up album to Ghosts (2007), is the first of The Family Tree trilogy, and is a solid, clear departure from frontman Ben Cooper’s work with Electric President. Unlike the electronic, indie pop style of Electric President, Cooper’s solo project channels more of an Iron & Wine meets The Middle East vibe with Cooper’s delicate vocals and gentle guitar strums.
The narrative of the trilogy follows the Northcotes’, a fictitious family living in the 1800’s. The Roots focuses on the first two generations of “The Family Tree.” In an attempt to be as historically accurate as possible, Cooper contains himself to only using musical instruments that were available in the 19th century- an idea that is compelling yet limiting. To Cooper’s credit, the album does convey an antique feeling, but as a result, lacks variation. A common theme throughout the folky and beautifully choral album is each track’s pattern of crescendo, in which the song starts slow, builds in intensity–with an increased tempo, paired with Cooper’s distantly rising pitch–and then teeters softly back down the hill.
“Black Eyes” is without a doubt the most climactic, emotion-provoking, and melodically captivating track of the album, sewn together with dramatic piano, heavy guitar, and vocals that fade in an out of a faraway realm. The other stand-out tracks of The Roots, “Ghost Towns” (with an accordion to die for), “A Pound of Flesh”, and “Always Gold”, all mysteriously manage to bring their own indescribably unique elements to the mix, despite following strikingly similar outlines. At times, Cooper’s vocals prove to be the most powerful instrument of all, showcasing his impressive range and adding spontaneity amidst frequent handclaps and instrumental turns.
The Family Tree: The Roots is powerful and solemn without being depressing. And while the album as a whole may be missing a distinct element or twist, it is also home to a handful of truly spectacular songs. I’m inclined to assume that the simplicity of The Roots is merely the foundation for the more dynamic and intriguing second and third albums to come.
MP3 Radical Face – A Pound of Flesh
MP3 Radical Face – Always Gold
Get The Family Tree: The Roots at iTunes.
Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good 