Again, New Zealand music goes and surprises me, and in a good way. It reminds me of my trip to a well-known hot pool resort in the South Island; I arrived there with my little buddy that I mentor and saw the price of entrance. I asked for a child ticket, and before I could ask for an adult one, I realised I am more of a child than my buddy, and changed it to two children. In a twist of good fortune, I was charged for two children, happy days.
Found Family, an alternative rock duo originally from Christchurch who now reside in Toronto, Canada, bring us their debut single Alive, and it is a corker from start to finish with rasping guitar melodies, to very poignant lyrics for all of us. Probably the saddest part of this review is finding out that these guys relocated from Christchurch to Canada to pursue their musical career - I am not sure how to deal with that, is it a good thing or a bad thing? I think from their perspective it was a good thing, but from the quality of this single, it is a bad thing for us. I can only imagine that they would be a treat to see.
The song itself has a nice mix of uplifting melancholy sounds, which may be an oxymoron, but in this case the emotions the song releases in my soul are a mixture of sadness and jubilation depending on what part of the song you are currently engaging in. The lyrics offer a mixture of the same emotions. The lyrics "at least I am alive to see the sun come up another day" after an internal battle of waiting for something to come along, is the kind of optimism that I can grab a hold of, even in the darkest hours of one's existence.
Once again New Zealand music comes up with another brilliant song. Found Family tick all the boxes with a good sounding Rock/Emo song and poignant lyrics, both of which take you on an emotional journey for better or worse. I am very excited to see what these guys do in the future; they are very much ones to look out for.
Found Family are a Toronto-based alternative rock duo from Christchurch, New Zealand. Matt and Troy collaborate on musings of mental health, loss, and seeking silver linings. They moved to Toronto in May of 2019, leaving behind friends, careers and loved ones, chasing a shared dream in music. It starts with their single Alive, released 20th May 2020.