Release Date: Aug 19, 2008
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Genres: Crunk Rock
Number Of Tracks: 11
Family Force 5 has returned with another crunk-fueled, party-worthy album that is aptly titled Dance or Die.
Dance Or DieFeatured review by: UG Team, on august 22, 2008 3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: Those feel-good crunk rockers Family Force 5 are back with a new album, and the title is a pretty good indicator of what to expect in terms of the musical style they’re bringing to the table. Dance Or Die is heavily rooted in, you guessed it, dance music. The band cleverly intertwines some great guitar distortion in the mix, and there are moments when a few tracks lean in a much harder direction. It probably would not come as a huge surprise that Family Force 5 might be delving into the dance pop genre with titles like “Party Foul,” or “Get Your Back Off The Wall.” That being said, if there is any part of you that enjoys a good groove, you’ll probably find Dance Or Die a refreshing change from the usual rock fare.
The title track starts everything off with a sound deeply rooted in the R&B genre. The band’s previous album Business In The Front/Party In The Back didn’t waste time in throwing out a bunch of sampling out in the first track, but the band reins that side in -- at least for a little while. “Dance Or Die” is not quite as wacky as what we’ve heard in the past from Family Force 5, and actually sticks to a pretty traditional format. If there’s a song that could be a shoe-in for a radio single, “Dance Or Die” is the one.
While “Dance Or Die” does make for a good kick-off song, there are tracks that are much more satisfying for the fact they do get a bit more daring or experimental. There’s usually a funky rhythm injected into most of the songs, but “Get Your Back Off The Wall” goes in a very different direction. In ways it has the same sound as one of Aerosmith’s heavier offerings, and you wouldn’t necessarily think of the club scene after hearing it. Between the screamed chorus and the heavy use of Derek Mount’s distorted guitars in key moments, it packs a much bigger punch than most of the other tracks. Another song that has the same feel is “D-I-E 4 Y-O-U.” As ridiculous as the title is, it’s still a fairly rocking track.
A word of warning: a few tracks sound eerily like something a boy band would produce. “How In The World” and “Share It With Me” could easily have been made by 'N Sync, simply for the fact that the guitars are deeply hidden in the mix and you’re left with some mellow beats, relationship-themed lyrics, and tweaks to Solomon Old’s voice (think Cher’s “Believe”). If you enjoy the overall fun and spirited sound of Family Force 5, however, those few tracks won’t really alter your opinion of Dance Or Die. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Much like the funky, club-inspired music behind Family Force 5, the lyrical content also tends to revolve around dancing and more dancing. It’s actually a similar approach to Andrew W.K.’s pro-party songs, and in a way it does help the band to carve out a core audience. While there are a few songs that explore relationships, getting out on the dancefloor does take precedence on the aptly titled album Dance Or Die. // 8
Impression: Many of you might be scared away by Family Force 5’s love affair with shaking their money maker, but Dance Or Die does delve into quite a few musical styles. Yes, the synth and vocal tweaks do tend to give many of the songs a pop feel, but there are also about 4 songs that give distortion and aggressive vocals the spotlight. You’ll probably still feel the urge to get on the dancefloor with the heavier tracks, but then again, that does seem to be the point of the album. // 8
Dance Or Die
Reviewed by:
defenderobanana, on june 18, 2009 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Family Force 5 has always liked to play hard rock with more of a dance twist on things, and with this album they have done just that. Their previous album is, I would say, more rock-oriented than Dance or Die. Dance or Die has taken a lot of the rock out of it and turned theirselves into dance, or pop. I'd say that this change in sound, although not entirely bad, could leave some fans disappointed while also picking up new fans. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: Family Force 5, being a Christian band, has Christian lyrics, songs such as D-I-E-4-Y-O-U and Wake the Dead best exemplify this the best. Not all of their songs have Christian lyrics though, songs such as Get Your Back Off the Wall, and Fever have lyrics that fall more into the dance and pop genre. Overall, I must say that most off the lyrics are creative, well written, and fit each song. // 9
Impression: This album was a big change from Buisness Up Front: Party In The Back, going from hard rock, to dance or 80's pop. My favorite songs are the ones that are closest to having their old style, Get Your Back Off The Wall, Fever, and Radiator are the best examples. I love how Family Force 5 is trying to show a different side of theirselves, but sometimes I wish they had just made a sequel to their previous album instead of trailing off completely. Overall, this album hads it's good moments, but for the most part lost my attention from the style change but Family Force 5 will still remain as one of my favorite bands. // 7
these guys are awesome i saw them at alive with people like hawk nelson skillet thosand foot krutch red and toby mac, it was insane
the lead singer had neon green pants and these huge silver hulk gloves lol
my band opened for them once. it was alot of fun. it was the first time we had a big green room with lots of stuff for it. Bottles of water, pop, red bull, lots of candy bars and random junk. they were really cool guys. although they were real sloppy when they played, the kids liked it though.
i hope to open for them again soon.
I remeber at one of their first live shows they acutally threw their guitar across the stage and caught them with no hands..... the neck strap just flung around them..... it was wicked sick....
I've heard 4 & a bit songs from this cd & they're flippen amaze, I can't wait untill I get my copy of Dance Or Die. The stuff is different to Business Up Front/Party In The Back, but I like it just as much, if not more.
I agree complete with fieryfenderz. I don't feel like it even compares to Business Up Front/Party In The Back.
That CD was unbelieveable. This CD is way too electronic. Soul Glow is a really great singer, I think he could've handled things just fine without the electronic effects they mixed in on his voice. Actually, I know he could have because he did on the first CD. I just don't really like the new direction. I loved the old one.
They're really cool guys though, I've got their signed poster for Dance Or Die on my wall. I just wish it had been as good as I had hoped.
completely agree that its much more electronic, but i still love it!
awesome christian rock.
seen these guys twice and talked to them for a lil,
guys couldnt be any cooler.
and their live performance, my gosh, they have more energy than a lotve bands ive seen.
not my fav album of the year, but still recommended for a listen.
If this isnt your thing, dont give up on FF5 though, go check out Business Up Front/Party In The Back,
so many differences yet, but its got more rock than crunk.
and not to bring controversy and mayhem to the review, but christians are supposed to love everyone, maybe some dont, its not impossible as were all created flawed and human, but a true christian should love everyone equally.
God bless everybody!
According to Wiki, "Crunk is a genre of hip hop music." Therefore, Crunk Rock, we can assume, is a genre of hip hop music incorporating rock sounds. Actually, all these people talking about Christians, I assume FF5 is a Cristian Rock band. Crunk, to me, besides being about stoned and drunk, could mean Christian Funk, which would be interesting.
i saw them in a free concert last december - in atlanta, they have some good songs, but some are just too techno. but live, they throw guitars and microphones, and i got to get me some of those silver hulk gloves
I left their myspace page after listening to a few seconds of each song (they were so bad i couldn't stand more than a few seconds). techno is crap anyway.
Never heard of them before this was on the front page. It appears to me to be the culmination of the scenexcore culture that I grew out of when I was twelve. These guys are horrendous. Every song is so similar. These guys are all image, and it's astounding how much crap tooth and nail can keep cranking out if left unchecked.
i beg to differ. i luv ff5. I think they are a great band with a strong message. i like them because they are talented and because they are christian and am not ashamed to say it. im glad they are getting hard earned publisity. lay off them.
honestly who cares if they are christian as long as the musics good? shouldnt listen to music you think is crap only caise they are christian random but honestly come on now
Never heard of them before this was on the front page. It appears to me to be the culmination of the scenexcore culture that I grew out of when I was twelve. These guys are horrendous. Every song is so similar. These guys are all image, and it's astounding how much crap tooth and nail can keep cranking out if left unchecked.
You guys, Christians are sinners just like everyone else and they make mistakes. They try to be like Christ who hung out with the prostitutes and tax collectors and loved them. They should love everyone but no one is perfect. That includes Christians and ff5. The Family is just trying to rock for Christ and if you dont like they way they do it, or if you dont like thier message then fine, but you dont have to bash them. They are trying thier best and personally, I love them!
It's not the Christian aspect of them that makes their music virtually unlistenable. Their style of music is downright abrasive and completely unoriginal. Not to mention lacking in musical talent. All of their songs sound like every other song, and that song just sounds bad.
The fact that their a Christian band and "rocking for god" so to speak, does happen to take any edge off of them that they may have gleaned from flailing about and wearing a lot of make-up. I'm sorry, in all honesty, if you think this is inspired music, I pity you.
For all of you who say that their music sounds the same... I'm in awe. If there is one thing that Family Force 5 is guilty of, it definitely isn't making everything sound the same. A very versatile band. Get off your "Tool is god" high horse and have a little fun. That's what they're here for.
I thought it was good. Im christian, but usually cant stand bands that are labelled (or label themselves) as christian (mostly because if I wanted to hear a bunch of prayer music, id go to church). I like this band though. I saw them live at warped tour and they had a bunch of power gloves and robot suits, it was awesome.
heard some of their songs from their older album.. Cool.. not my style.. but its cool cuz theyr christians and doing theyr own style.. not like anything else iv ever heard. props.
Is that Rihanna in the picture on the front page?
Youre just jealous cuz he's hot.
If by 'hot' you mean 'looks like a woman', then maybe you're onto something.
They're an okay band, there's better party rock out there. Most people liked their heavier stuff, and if so then i'd suggest listening to Blessed By A Broken Heart instead.
Is that Rihanna in the picture on the front page?
Youre just jealous cuz he's hot.
If by 'hot' you mean 'looks like a woman', then maybe you're onto something.
They're an okay band, there's better party rock out there. Most people liked their heavier stuff, and if so then i'd suggest listening to Blessed By A Broken Heart instead.
Want Party music? Just put on AC/DC's Bon Scott-era stuff. Actually, all AC/DC is good 'party music', especially more than half the songs on "Back in Black".
my band opened for them once. it was alot of fun. it was the first time we had a big green room with lots of stuff for it. Bottles of water, pop, red bull, lots of candy bars and random junk. they were really cool guys. although they were real sloppy when they played, the kids liked it though.
i hope to open for them again soon.
This is a suggestion for those of you who liked "Business Up Front" better... cuz when I first got the new FF5 cd I was finding it really hard to get into it like BUFPIB... check them out live. It'll give you a whole new respect for the new cd. They do all that stuff live too... and they really rock it. You might be surprised.
my band opened for them once. it was alot of fun. it was the first time we had a big green room with lots of stuff for it. Bottles of water, pop, red bull, lots of candy bars and random junk. they were really cool guys. although they were real sloppy when they played, the kids liked it though.
i hope to open for them again soon.
whats ur bands name cuz if ur good ill listen to u.
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