Central Florida based sibling trio, ramondale and The Family Band, released its debut album, Consider the Birds earlier this year. SP got a hold of a copy of the album, and I briefly review it here for your immediate reading pleasure.

Firstly, rd&TFB is the one of the few bands I’ve come across that list Danielson Famile as an influence. I’ve listened extensively to Danielson—perhaps not out of sheer enjoyment, but for the novelty of their “marching band from hell” stylings. So, I was expectantly curious to hear Consider the Birds.

The album opens with a snare tapping out a march, then trumpet and piano slide in; at the vocals’ entrance, they begin to discuss kings and queens being over thrown or thrown in the back of a cop car. rd&TFB seems to embody a bit of the “marching band” element of Danielson, but they leave the “from hell” part soothingly behind (i.e. the lack of Daniel Smith’s maniacal voice).

The albums instrumentation is consistent: vocally driven with piano accompaniment—light drums, tasteful trumpet, occasional miscellaneous percussion.  The songs are strongly lyrical and–with words well written and delivered in an nostalgic lilting manner (think English folk bards) for which the term “family band“ seems perfectly appropriate.  Many of the songs are emotionally attached narratives weaving up and down, in and out of an overreaching tapestry—reminiscent of the characters and story lines of Colin Meloy’s (of The Decemberists) lyrics.

Overall, the album reminds me of what an early, very young Sufjan Stephens would do. The music is quite non-repackaged, unique, soothing at times, and certainly enjoyable, but underdeveloped. While there were a few moments that did impress, I couldn’t help thinking how great a 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th release would be—the musicality would develop and fill-out, and the diction would become more robust and diverse, and melodies would solidify. With the release of Consider the Birds, raymondale & The Family Band strikes out upon a path that is wild and adventurous.