The Family Rain at the Garage

In a venue that reeks of a now 20-something’s adolescence, in which the stage is oddly juxtaposed next to the gentlemen’s toilets, door gaping, the audience of pre-pubescent moshers and painfully on-trend Islingtonites awaits the appearance of this trio of brothers. Following last week’s release of their debut album, Under the Volcano, The Family Rain emerge from the scarlet fog to the screams of this large crowd.

The energy on and off stage is undeniable. If you like the kind of gig that sends sound waves up through the soles of your shoes and makes your lungs beat at your ribs, The Family Rain will not disappoint. With tangible style and charisma, their anarchic sound courses through their devoted audience. It’s the kind of music that deserves to be played live (although that is not to say that their album is not equally as fantastic). Lead vocalist and bassist William Walter admitted this was their “first proper big show in a year”, yet it never failed to amaze – from their vitality to the music itself.

The set was gripping, comprising mostly of tracks from Under the Volcano, including Don’t Waste Your Time, Reasons to Die, Pushing It, and On My Back, but even gave fans a sneak preview of brand new material with Love Don’t Shine, which is set to make an appearance on their next album (no rest for the wicked).  The song, stamped with their trademark sound, gave a glimpse into what could be the next stage in the evolution of this relatively young band. Their set exuded the apocalyptic dissent of generations, amplified by their distinct and collective skill.

The Family Rain, crudely put, are what might have happened if Meg White (drummer of the White Stripes) had practiced the drums and they’d recruited another member. Of course, The Family Rain are much more than that, and hopefully there will be more to come from them in the future. This band is definitely one to watch.

Phoebe Person
Photo: Robin Pope

For further information and future events visit The Family Rain’s website here.

Watch the video for Pushing It here: