The RevelifeRocks Artist of the Week is “crunk rock” outfit
Family Force 5.
Three fifths of FF5 (Solomon, Joshua, and Jacob Olds) were originally part of a boy band called The Brothers who released two albums in 1994 and 1995, produced by their musical father Jerome Olds. Later the Olds brothers and two of their friends released an EP as The Phamily but because of legal issues, they became Family Force 5. They didn’t want to limit themselves to one market so they resorted to a dual record deal with Maverick and Gotee Records. These days the band is affiliated with Tooth & Nail and Transparent Media Group.
Family Force 5 is so eccentric that it’s impossible to describe them accurately.
Their creativity is astounding (in music, wardrobe, and choice of nicknames); you never know what to expect from these guys. FF5’s first full length album
Business Up Front, Party in the Back was a mixture of rock, rap, and electronic elements, as well as wacky lyrics for the most part. But it isn’t always about the silliness. Songs such as “Love Addict” display the spiritual side of Family Force 5 making them extremely popular and praised in both mainstream and Christian markets.
Their next full length album, released last year, was
Dance or Die. The style/sound changed a bit, leaning toward the dance club music genre and having more intricate lyrics. For example, “Fever” is a metaphorical description of the Holy Spirit and “D-I-E 4 Y-O-U” talks about the sacrificial element of following Jesus. Combine the incredible lyrics with catchy melodies and you have a killer album.
Dance or Die With A Vengeance is their latest project, a remix of
Dance or Die, including some bonus tracks. Some names we already know and love are credited for remixes on this album such as Matt Thiessen of Relient K and David Crowder. It’s unexpected, but not a disappointment. I can’t wait to see how the boys of Family Force 5 will amaze us next.
If you still haven’t experienced FF5, you should start off by watching the music video for “Radiator.”
Comments (20)
crowder remixed an FF5 song? i may just have to get it now...
Are they a Christian band? I don't see anything Christian about them, they look and sound a whole lot like the secular music you see on MTV.
@BeautifulB_227@xanga - I don't know if they would consider themselves a "Christian band" but it is so obvious that their faith influences a lot of their lyrics.
@RaquelTWG - faith in what exactly? If they're not Christian then what faith do they claim. I'm just not a big fan of musicians who refuse to proclaim their faith and will do secular and Christian music all at once.
I think they're terrible. They try to be innovative but in doing so they make bad music.
Wow- I actually like them....
This video reminds me of old skillet or orgy.
They're playing at Creation East this year. I'm going :) Only a few more days!
"Luv Addict" is one the hippest tunes to listen to. Everyone I know loves it. It gets the party started.
@BeautifulB_227@xanga - I'm about 99.9% sure they consider themselves a Christian band. "We want to make music that is for God, but at the same time, we want to make music that people enjoy and that they're not turned off by." - http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2006/familyforce5-0506.html?start=3
alot of my friends like ff5, i havent gotten into much of their stuff but Luv Addict is always a fun song
@Lynnjynh9315@xanga - I say that to myself everyday of my life. Hahaha. Used to REALLY not like them. Every time I hear a new song from them on the radio I try to convince myself I don't like it, but I always end up loving it. It's the lyrics. Good stuff.
@BeautifulB_227@xanga - Their faith in Jesus Christ. And yes, I definitely know what you mean. But they're not one of those bands who have Christian members that aren't willing to incorporate that aspect of their personal lives into their music. Like someone else had quoted, they write their songs FOR God [and if you really read the lyrics to some of them you can tell], but just like all musicians, they want to write music that everyone will enjoy/is willing to listen to. Unfortunately some people are automatically turned off by bands on a Christian label, so they signed with two labels to appeal to both markets.
not my regular cup of tea, but that's a fancy keytar :)
@NoHeroesForTomorrow@xanga - is it called a keytar? i hope my parents get me one of those.
Great band!
@BeautifulB_227@xanga - They definitely don't refuse to proclaim their faith. Any peek at their blogs or a trip to a concert, and they speak it loud and proud. They're not preachy and gospel like, but they are Christians and are not afraid to let others know that.
I saw them last year at creation fest
I saw them last December at Tobymac's Winter Wonder Slam, I would have to say they were my least favorite band there, they were so loud you could hardly tell what they were saying, and they were a little creepy. I do like some of there studio stuff though, all in all they are a pretty cool band they just aren't good live.
They are very clearly a Christian band, actually. Find a copy of lyrics to songs like "Supersonic"; "Peachy" and "Replace Me." They're not that ambiguous. "Shatter me into a million pieces, make me new. Crush me, tear me, break me, mold me, make me what You want me to be. I am Yours, for You to use...so take him, replace me with you." Listen to that song enough times, and you're speaking those words to God along with Solomon Olds.
they're christian and they rock...yeah
haha, they autographed my shoe.