The Family Machine - 'You Are The Family Machine' (Alcopop) Released 14/04/08

Some people create music to provoke deep thought, some to lead you into a deep entrapment of distraction and some do it just because they want a damn good time doing so. Oxford band The Family Machine’s album ‘You Are The Family Machine’ seems to fall into the latter. It’s not the greatest thing you’ll ever hear, and its intention to deter from doing so is obvious, but it is refreshing to hear 12 songs that show no signs of pretence or talking about the working class hero. Instead here is an album that promotes the dreamer in all and is folk-acoustic pop gold ready to be sieved into the collection of the daring and broad-minded.

'Ko Tao' opens with an intriguing take on glam that sways more to the side of The Sweet rather then the credible Bolan-esque brilliance. Although there is a yearning to be something more - with anthemic qualities and appealing uplifting sparks. There is something of The Flaming Lips charging through most notably on ‘Did You Leave’ and ‘Got it Made’. ‘Lethal Drugs Cocktail’ is an ode to what it says on the tin. A one on one short exclamation that “you may kill me” – it seems pointless while at the same time relevant in the groups arsenal.

‘The Do Song’ runs the risk of becoming a contender for most annoying song ever while at the same time holding sunshine contented escapism – it will certainly make for debate. The strongest moment comes from the appealing pop flashes that lie headstrong in ‘Flowers By The Roadside’, which infuses vibrant piano tricks and harmonica whistling aimlessly into the foreground, climaxing in a conjunction of smart sophistication.

Far from perfect but not too far from dazzling. The acoustic influences are appropriately attached in wide-eyed childlike naivety and create a blend of powerfully emotive songs that walk the side of raucous masculinity and poignant delicacy. Keeping a watchful eye on the gig listings may be a necessity to try and get a glimpse of these lads in action.