Published on Jul 10, 2002
The gimmick behind the Los Angeles based rock band known as The
Andersons is that they are pretending to all be brothers despite
being a racially mixed band, but one thing that all of the
Andersons do have in common is talent. The leader, bassist Derrick
Anderson, (and the only real Anderson in the band), has written the
bulk of songs for
Family Secrets, and they’re all winners.
Guitarist Bill Anderson (also known as Wil O’Brien), and Bob
Anderson(former child actor and jack of all trades musician Robbie
Rist) contribute songs as well. And with three singers and
songwriters on board, it is not surprising that
Family Secrets is a rather eclectic CD, although it
generally does not stray too far away from a power pop sound.
Much of
Family Secrets alternate between energetic rockers like
“Killing Me” and “No One Rides For Free”, and catchy pop numbers
like “Snub” or “Ledonia B”. However, whether the Andersons come up
with crunchy guitar licks and snarly vocals or jangly guitars and
softer vocals, the songs all manage to have good hooks.
Also peppered in the mix is the occasional power ballad.
“Falling Out” and “Looking Glass” slow the tempo down and are more
reflective lyrically without getting too syrupy or forgetting that
this is still a rock band.
While there is generally a modern power pop take to most of the
songs, occasionally they go retro with the Zombies-like “Hard”. But
on the other side of the spectrum, you have a song like “Looking
For A Leader” which has an interesting, unusual style to it.
In what is one of the better bonus tracks I’ve heard, there’s
the novelty punk tune, “A Million Dollars For Christmas”. This
probably has the best shot of getting some airplay not only because
it’s a hoot, but because it has that punk-pop sound that’s been so
popular the last several years.
Overall,
Family Secrets is a pretty good listen. It won’t change the
world, but makes for a nice diversion from it. Here’s hoping this
“family” doesn’t stay a secret for much longer.