Single Review: Feral Family - Sold

                                                                 

                                                                      

 It's been a slow start here at NNWNF in 2024, in many ways it mirrors how slow the industry is this time of year. That doesn't mean that releases aren't coming out thick and fast, but often that the malaise is difficult to get out of.  I feel like we should be hibernating or something, not trying to fight the elements but actively avoiding them. So like a bear after a long sleep, it's time to get motivated and start work. One release that certainly has raised our collective eyebrows here is from Bridlington antagonists Feral Family and we got Niamh Rowley to tell us more.

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As we closed the door on 2023 and waltzed on into 2024, we allowed ourselves a fresh start. Maybe a new year’s resolution is in order. Perhaps it's the gym or a new hobby, Veganuary or maybe even Dry January? Okay, that one's a little laughable. Does anyone complete that? You have my full respect if so. But of course, a new year doesn't just stop at the resolutions we inevitably give up on, we get new music, breakthrough artists and incredible new content.

Northern post-punks Feral Family are back with one last release ahead of their eagerly anticipated album Without Motion on January 19^th. New single ‘Sold’ dropped on January 12^th and what an explosion it made. Hooking me in with an earworm beat I felt myself falling into a spiral of guitars, drums and blissful ignorance to the world around me; I was transported. Providing a dark vocal style, singer Jamie Lowe's tone resembles that of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis whilst giving a melody that increases in anger and intent, like that of Fontaines D.C's Grian Chatten.      

With these two together they’re on to a winning combination, still adding in their own individual flare it’s no doubt they have the tools to be a breakout band of 2024. On the tracks,  the lads express their admiration for the working class and how ‘working to live becomes living to work’, something the generation of today know all too well. There’s something rather admirable about being able to say what so many cannot find the words too and these lads have managed to do exactly that.

Being the 6^th track of 11 to be released ahead of the whole album, I started becoming quite fond of the Bridlington Locals. Listening to previous tracks I notice a similar storyline and melodic approach however; each song brings something new and unique to the table. For example, ‘Cairo’ brings us a pent-up style of lyrics with a loud melodic counterpart. It’s unignorable and hard hitting which can only work in their favour. Another track I found myself engaging quite intensely with was ‘Deep Cuts'. With an indie/rock style of beat it felt quite homely to me. Carrying on with that deep vocal style and a strong instrumental presence from the get-go, it’s a sure-fire crowd pleaser. 

About the themes that course through the album, Lowe says:

“The album showcases what it’s like living day to day in our shoes, with some wilder exceptions of certain themes being imagined, while simultaneously being understood by us. Each track weaves a narrative that collectively paints a vivid picture of life’s struggles and introspective moments. “WITHOUT MOTION” is like a guide through life experiences from our eyes from later teens to early adulthood."

Hailing from Yorkshire myself I can’t help but feel a sense of pride at the success the band should go on to if there is any justice. So, if you’re in need of some new music to start the year give the single a listen and follow it up with the album whilst you’re there!

You can follow Feral Family on social media at X, Instagram and Facebook. Debut album Without Motion is out to buy and stream now.