CD review: The Family Crest

Rating: 4

Written by Uyen Cao
Aggie Arts Writer
Published on April 8, 2010
Filed under Arts

Artist: The Family Crest

Album: Songs from the Valley Below

Label: The Family Crest

Rating: 4

Disregarding the somber album title or the strikingly odd band name, San Francisco-based orchestral-indie group The Family Crest offers tracks that aren’t at all hard on the ears. With a full string section and pump organ featured on multiple tracks, many of the songs channel a melancholy sound while leaving a beautiful impression on the listener. The female harmony on “I’ve got nothing to say to you” is especially fitting.

Songs from the Valley Below is mood music – and whether or not it hits you at the right time, it’s worth a listen. Though the SF band is relatively unknown, The Family Crest has great potential. Check them out on Myspace or visit their website thefamilycrestfamily.com for more depth and background on the band.

Give these tracks a listen: “I’ve got nothing to say to you,” “Got Soul”

For Fans Of: Conor Oberst, Fleet Foxes

- Uyen Cao