Fever Feel - Family Milk
Self-Released
Released on November 2nd, 2023
The enigmatic and always enchanting Victoria BC psych rockers Fever Feel, have managed to create one of the most dazzling and charming albums of the year by far. Family Milk, the band’s third album, is easily their most varied yet well put together project. As one of Canada’s best neo psych acts of the last decade, the band has opted for a less heady and Pink Floydian approach this time around, and have developed a more Beatles or Doors like approach to their sound. They retain their brand of 60’s vintage sound but have a much more punchy, and pop structured approach. The production is also very bright and clear which is in stark contrast with the lo-fi sound on the sophomore album The Less Precious Collection. That being said, the previous album came out in May of 2019 and as we all know now, things change.
Family Milk is as authentic an album as you would hope to get nowadays. Each instrument, from the guitars, vocals, and drums to the slide guitar and organs, oozes with heartfelt vintage tone. The guitars give that subtle Robby Krieger vibe but often play off of each other with an overdriven playfulness like Lennon and Harrison. Thumpy bass with that Ampeg flip-top like sound compliment the guitars perfectly, giving them space to dance but guiding them through each track. The drums have that very close mic’d and muffled sound that goes hand in hand with the more pop side of the psych rock genre. It’s tight, groovy and not trying to get in your face.
The track list and composition of each song are truly what makes this album great. It feels fresh, fun and uplifting, yet beautiful and somber in just the right moments. The opening track “Cosmic Lady” as well as “Just a Flavor” and “Sincere Beggar” give us a cosmic and driving sound while the album’s single “She’s So Fantastic” is a Bowie like dance pop ballad.
Meanwhile “Something About Today” the albums third track, is one of the most beautiful and relatable tracks with a haunting slide guitar lead and string arrangement. To cap it off at the end you have a cute and uplifting acoustic instrumental “Posses Me With Simple Love” which helps the record leave only the best of after tastes in your mouth.
All in all this album is a trip in the best sense, an example of true musicians continuing to do what they do best. It’s short and concise and flies by before you are done with it, which should prompt a deserved second listen of course. The love and care put into a project like this more than shows through, and definitely will leave an imprint on the listener.
- Nigel. Young
