It's been nearly three years since we've heard anything new from Los Angeles-based alternative/indie band Family of the Year. Their most recent album - the self-titled and underrated Family of the Year (2015) - contains some of my favorite songs from the band ("Carry Me", "Facepaint", "Hey Kid"). Formed in 2009, the band is comprised of brothers Joe (lead vocals, guitar) and Sebastian Keefe (drums), Christina Schroeter (piano, vocals), and James Buckey (guitar). Their breakout hit single, "Hero," was featured in the 2014 award-winning Richard Linklater drama Boyhood, and has 170 million streams on Spotify alone.
"Hold Me Down" is Family of the Year's brand new single, and is the first taste of new music from their forthcoming album, Goodbye Sunshine, Hello Nighttime, scheduled for May 18 release. With lyrics that deal with with grounding oneself ("I've been waiting for someone to hold me down") and retreating "down a dead end street where I can't be found," this solid, upbeat single features an infectious, sing-along chorus along with the band's smooth, melodic vocals - in short, it sounds pretty amazing.
I was able to catch Family of the Year in concert a few years back in Chicago (July 2015) - post "Hero" and the band's impressive Loma Vista (2012) album. They performed lots of new material (songs that were later included on their forthcoming album at the time), and delivered a stunning and truly memorable performance. On a personal note, "Hero" was probably one of the biggest motivating factors for me to return to guitar lessons and learn the "fingerstyle" playing technique that is so prominent throughout the track. It was pretty amazing to watch and listen to such a tight, polished and flawless live performance from the band. I'm really looking forward to the new album.
The band has also released an accompanying music video to "Hold Me Down," directed by Gus Black. Check it out below, and keep an eye out for upcoming performances from the band.
FAMILY OF THE YEAR "HOLD ME DOWN" (Official Music Video)
For more information about Family of the Year, visit their official website, follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube), and find their music on Spotify and Apple Music.