Family Force 5- Dance Or Die With A Vengeance

Last summer, we were introduced to a side of Family Force 5 that a lot of us were slightly uncomfortable with. A few "fans" were lost, but the real ones stuck with them. New fans were made recently on the AP Tour with well-known names such as The Maine, Hit The Lights, and 3OH!3. And now Family Force 5 gives us fans a little something in the form of a remix album.

This album has a lot more dance than even Dance or Die, and should probably be marked TRUE FANS ONLY. Not to say a few people new to Family Force 5 won't like it, but for some people I know, this could be a bigger turn off than DOD. Barely any rock elements remain, but was Family Force 5 ever really a rock band? Crunk rock, yes, but can that be considered rock? Probably, but I believe that Business Up Front... was dancy, only that the rock guitars softened it a bit for those not used to that. DOD was a bit more stripped down. Less guitars, more synthesizers. Nobody seemed to notice, but the synths were there all along!

But back to the remix album. Family Force 5 had different bands make their own versions of DOD songs for them. The songs are arranged exactly as they were on the un-remixed version. So "Dance or Die (The Secret Handshake Han Valen Remix)" opens the album, featuring vocals by Luis Dubuc of The Secret Handshake, and a few new lyrics to go with it. Without the guest vocals, the song doesn't sound too different from it's original. The following song is "Get Your Back Off The Wall (3OH!3 Remix)". But don't be worried, the lyrics are exactly the same as it was last time, with no additions by 3OH!3.

I was slightly worried, with bands known for having vulgar lyrics remixing FF5 songs, but, of course, FF5 had to approve it, and so there is no swearing or inappropriateness to be worried about. This remix's intro and closing are kind of annoying, as are a few other tracks on the album. It seems that songs like this were not made to sound better or cool, but elements were added that made it sound like they are there just because they can be, and doesn't help the song at all. Others songs such as "Fever (The Toxic Avenger Remix)" fools the listener with its opening into thinking that it'll be something great, but then ends with the most annoying I've ever heard come from a band.

"Rip It Up (The Pragmatic Remix)" is the first remix of this song on the album. The first time I heard it, I couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably at the drama two minutes into the song between a group of doctors, one of them named "Dr. Disco." Their conversation is utterly hilarious, and makes the song better, as the music isn't all that great. "How In The World (Suave Suarez Remix)," another song that has a double at the end of the album, sounds like a disco song, and will probably take a few listens to get used to. "Party Foul (Smi D's UVS Remix)" is the most dancy song, and definitely my personal favorite. It is completely impossible to not tap your feet when listening to it. It's a lot more fun than FF5's first try, and the addition of the catchy lyrics, "Time to sweat, Time to move, Time to get, In the groove" gives it a humorous side as well. Another song better than its original is "Share it With Me (Smile Future Remix)." On DOD it was by far the worst song to come from this band. Now it's another one of my favorites. The next three songs are kind of dry, and aren't too different than the un-remixed versions, with the exception of "The First Time (Matt Thiessen Remix)", which is a little slower and features vocals by Relient K's lead singer.

Family Force 5's only new song on the album, "Ghostride the Whip" sounds a lot like Kanye West at some points, as it is a break from the dance style of the rest of the album for a little bit of hip-hop. It's got some really great beats that make you want to turn it up loud and roll down your windows. The song after that is an alternate remix of "Rip It Up," but this time only Crouton does vocals, with a little bit of rapping at the end courtesy of Soul Glow. Crouton has a great voice, and this song sounds like something you'd hear on the radio when you're in the mall. His voice is altered a lot, though. The song that closes the album is another "How In The World," this time mixed by David Crowder* Band. It's definitely more dancy, but it is not at all a highlight on the album.

Dance or Die With a Vengeance is definitely fun to listen to, but most if it cannot be taken seriously. Most fans will enjoy it and realize that this is not who Family Force 5 is, but it was still a fun addition to their library that will hopefully hold us over until the fall when we hear the FF5 Christmas album.