Meek Warrior, a 35-minute, seven-track “special album” (as per Young God label head Michael Gira), spends its first two tracks taking Akron/Family’s proclivity for contrasting moods to its logical extreme. Naturally, these two songs are the high points of what is otherwise still an incredible little release from this mind-numbingly talented (and prolific) four-piece.  Full text...

In a short couple of years, they've reached a point of mad productivity and dizzying musical complexity. Despite its scant 35-minute duration, Meek Warrior distills the entire history of experimental pop. Just as impressively, it finally bottles the frantic eclecticism and The Gods Must Be Crazy absurdity of the Family's live show.  Full text...

It's made up of a series of abrupt, jarring juxtapositions: high-voltage psych riffage, a cappella group chanting, wavy-arm-dance boogie-rock, mandolin folk breakdowns, apocalyptic noise squall, free-jazz sax wig-out.  Full text...

These are some of the prettiest songs we're likely to hear all year.  Full text...

Meek Warrior, the proper follow-up to their self-titled debut.  Full text...

While I'd expected more from Meek Warrior, the song shows that Akron/Family can still surge transcendentally, and this bizarre sci-fi aesthetic they're trying on fits pretty well, and, um, yeah: let's hope the next proper release is a sturdier affair. At least now we know they're human.   Full text...

Cacophonous, absurd, and fragmented, Meek Warrior is an admirable step towards a hedonistic utopia where all religions, philosophies, and musical genres explode into one overpowering, kaleidoscopic sensory experience, but in the end it's just a step.  Full text...