With indie folk on the rise, many music fans have a newfound respect for the banjo (maybe a little objectum sexuality- it’s one sexy instrument).  When I hear one, I instantly think of toothless hillbillies playing some hardcore country music; or Steve Martin (remember he is an avid banjo player and even won a Grammy last year). I typically don’t give a second listen to banjo-infused music; that is unless Sam Simoff is playing.  After forming Le Loup back in 2006, Simoff became prime example of a banjo player that gets me all warm inside.

Le Loup has grown in size since their 2006 debut The Throne of the Third heaven of the Nations’ Millennium General Assembly (I know what you’re thinking “holy shit that album title is twenty-one syllables long,” crazy.); it now features a full sized band with 5 members.

Each member contributed to the writing and recording process of follow-up album Family, which they did in a remote cabin and a Maryland basement. Simoff and fellow member Christian Ervin even produced the album themselves.  The end result is an overall strong growth to their sound and live performances.

Honestly it took more than a couple of listens to finally gather my feeling towards Family.  Family is one of the most laid back, relaxing albums you’ll ever listen to. Though the opener “Saddle Mountain” is comprised of a decent amount of empty space that filled with the sound of maybe children playing (or being sacrificed) on a playground, and some banjo, harmonizing vocals, and all over sonic percussion sprinkled in, I still kind of liked it. Either way you’ve got to have the acquired taste to appreciate the beauty in this opening.

As the album continues the sound does grow and get much much better. There is a prominent monotone to the album, which actually isn’t too annoying because of songs like “Sherpa” that surprise you with this sudden urge to bop along to the rhythm. (Almost an urge to dance, almost.) Over all with Family you’re left with a sound that’s a mix of the banjo, psychedelia, rock-ish, folk songs, that would easily be enjoyed by a campfire.

Fun Fact: (I find these to be the best kinds of facts) Their song “Morning Song” is currently being used in the new Blackberry commercials.