Benofthefamily

Friends of the Family

Friends of the Family formed in Bradford, Northern Britain in late 2004, playing self proclaimed 'nerd-core', a blend of radio friendly alternative and psychedelic rock. 

Their lasting sound combined the distinctive vocals of Northampton born Michael Burton, whose clean, very English sounding delivery contrasted with the gravelly Americana tones of Bradford native Benjamin Dunn. American born Chris Jackson and Essex bred Jon Summers made up the rhythm sections, as drums and bass respectively.

The band had originally been fronted by Californian Eric Rocha, whose virtuoso classic L.A. lead guitar style lent itself to their early gigs. Rocha however was soon asked to leave the band in late 2005 due to his non committal to rehearsals as their level of dedication intensified. He was however the life and soul of the bands sound at the time, effortlessly charismatic with a natural vibrancy, energetic live vocals and a raw, masterfully confident guitar style. Post Friends of the Family, Rocha formed Astor, who played a host of shows around the district over the next few years. Back in his home city of Los Angeles the guitarist had played in City Blue and The Hundreds, recording the slick, highly commercial sounding 'More Than Friends' which became an early Friends of the Family signature set opener.

After Rocha's departure, Burton, then playing a supporting role as rhythm guitarist, was convinced to step up to microphone when asked if he could sing in any shape or form at all by Dunn. His response was the modest \"well, I've been told I can hold a tune\". This change of vocalist completely transformed the dynamic of the groups sound, later leading to comparisons with Northampton's The Editors as well as Gomez, based on Dunn's more raspy Tom Waits 'blues tinged drawl', as described by Johnny Cashback writing Bradford's Mono Magazine in September 2006.

Three months later Bradford's self proclaimed 'finest indie underachievers' had disbanded due to tensions over creative directions. They left behind just three publicly released songs from recording sessions undertaken at the cities SMV Studios, Preston Street in late 2005, where a total of eight tracks were laid down. Those tunes were 'Damaged Goods', co-written by founding member, Baltimore born percussive powerhouse Chris Jackson and frontman Burton. 'Blood Is Thicker Than Morphine', penned by Jackson and main songwriter Dunn, with set closer 'Armagedion Breaking' being the lead track of the 2006 demo. These were produced and engineered by Dave Dunn, Benjamin's brother who later in 2006 went on to work with Glen Hughes of Deep Purple, and New Zealand garage rock band The Datsuns, co-engineering their second album at Monnow Valley Studios. 

Shelved from the SMV sessions were five more songs, including; 'Light of the Moon', 'A Thousand Words' and 'The Fear of Walking Out of You' which had previously been recorded by Jackson and Dunn's previous outfit, Indian Rope Trick featuring Tracy Taylor on vocals. The final three songs which, jokingly could have made it onto the 'Brown EP' were 'My Favourite Colour', 'One Hour Minute', 'The Chase Is On' along with 'Blood Is Thicker Than Morphine' which held up as centre piece of their sole release.

The WAV files for those songs still exist, waiting to be reworked and remixed on rainy days when the time is right.


Michael Burton - M.C.ing / Strings & Picks

Benjamin Dunn - Strings & Picks / M.C.ing

John Summers - The Mighty Low End Wobble

Chris Jackson - Skins & Sticks



http://www.friendsofthefamilyband.com

Also hear us  at

http://www.myspace.com/listentofotf

http://www.purevolume.com/friendsofthefamily

http://www.bandmix.co.uk/profile5581.html