This Is Radio Freedom - Family Man [Single]

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May 20, 2009, 06:02 PM

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Like the ever-dividing Marmite, “Family Man” will cause rows. Either “Family Man” wins you over by the songs' clever construction and claustrophobic beats or you’re left struggling to connect to the emotionless lyrical delivery.

The lyrics are full of powerful phrases, but Matt Rimmer delivers them like he’s ordering pizza, "Tie my hands and I'll still put them in the air" or "It's worth us bleeding, just to know we’re still alive" should evoke the listener but the production on the CD is so clear it takes away the natural energy Rimmer may have, which leaves the intense lyrics as empty chants.

This Is Radio Freedom have a good array of songs, all offering a slightly darker take on the rock anthem. Even if “Family Man” doesn't entertain your likes, it seems to entice your brain so you want more; either in search for something else as you can't believe how dull it was, or, you may be getting addicted.

“Family Man” is definitely a grower and after a fair few listens (if you get that far) you start to appreciate the songs architecture and the build up of confusing emotions it creates. Unfortunately, after the build up you are left waiting for an undelivered ‘wow’ that “Family Man” so desperately needs.

Also featured is Dan Le Sac’s remix of “Family Man” which brings out the electro in the song without losing the original’s integrity. It starts off creating a stronger alternative to “Family Man” but seems to lose direction half way through sounding like you’re circling on a merry-go-round with lights flashing, dated pop music in the background with confusing snatches of the control-man’s conversation swirling passed you.

On the whole, Dan Le Sac’s remix of “Family Man” sounded like a weaker version of Bloc Party’s “Flux” with a Devo-esque backdrop and although the remix was strong and would be good in a club, I wasn’t left convinced. Frankly I'm not even sure the drum machine was programmed properly as it almost seemed off beat.

My preconceptions were that This Is Radio Freedom would open my ears to something extra-ordinary - that they would empower the people with a touch of anarchy. Everything from the picture on the cover to the bright red CD itself all gave me high hopes that I was about to sit down, shut up and be told what music really is. They describe themselves as punkfilthelectrodiscorock'n'ro ll which is an awful lot to promise, and I can’t say that “Family Man” really delivers them. However, it is uplifting, and in this sense, This Is Radio Freedom do rebel. They are creating something to oppose the mass of classic rock bands and prepubescent indie bands. By merging the two genres to create positive rock anthems made for stadiums.

This Is Radio Freedom may not have a number one album yet, but these guys sound like they’re in it for the long run. The record sounds too clean and gives the impression that This I Radio Freedom would be incredible live, and given some time and they will probably blow your head off. If you get the opportunity to see them live, do it.

If this really is radio freedom - it could take over the air waves.

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