ALMOST a year since their rapturous demo ‘Trust Me… I’m A Genius’ started pricking the ears of tastemakers and industry alike, The Family Rain release their debut album ‘Under The Volcano’, recorded over four weeks at Berlin’s famed Hansa Studios with Jim Abbiss (Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys).

Ten tracks of primal rock ‘n roll, the record opens up with a powerful rock track Carnival-all loops of jaggy guitars and vocals full of bravado, this has the urgency and youth of radio hits from the likes of The Pigeon Detectives who dominated the indie charts for most of the late noughties.

Then there’s barnstorming singles such as current single Feel Better (Frank), the crunching Reason To Die, and high octane rambler Pushing It – which lead the band’s first EP earlier this year – the noise and intensity of this record could only be produced by three brothers who know each other inside out. Nagging melodies combined with heavy, metallic riffs create a searing rock record of intelligence and wit.

Three brothers from Bath, The Family Rain are Will Walter (vocals & bass), Ollie Walter (guitar & backing vocals) and Tim Walter (drums & backing vocals). They are a classic British rock band in the best tradition, a heavy mix of hard rock and blues. As a live band they are something else – our Tenement TV session is only proof of that. Their ferocious intensity and focus, streamlined sound blended with insidious melodies.

The band have recently supported Biffy Clyro and the Rolling Stones and toured with Miles Kane and Jake Bugg as well as carving up the country on their own headline tour. Tracks reek of Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age and On My Back is a strong nod to the blues rock of the 1960’s that effortlessly flows through this band.

The LP closes with a ‘Strokes inspired Friction, melody driven with the unmistakable riffs of the New York band, The Family Rain do their own twist on noughties rock with experimental lyrics and beats. With a host of live shows lined up, it will be interesting to see how this band attack the festival circuit this summer.