The Family Grave: Indie Folk Storytelling That Redefines Modern Lo‑Fi Music
RISING
9 Lounges Team
8/4/2025
Hove and the Church Road Sessions
Recording at Church Road Studios in Hove, England (a notable hub for indie and alternative music), the band’s next album, Happy Songs, featured an expanded lineup of collaborators. Highlights included:
Martyn Moss of M. Butterfly
Maria Marzioli (Slum of Legs, Porridge Radio)
Matt Ellis Devitt (The Meow Meows)
Simon Adams (Mum Dad and the Kids)
Tracks like “Mr Train Driver” and “I’d Follow The Sun” brought in an eclectic garage rock feel, gaining rotation on college radio and playlist circuits globally.
In an era overwhelmed by algorithmic perfection and polished production, The Family Grave chooses a different path—one paved with emotional honesty, poetic songwriting, and lo-fi charm. Led by UK-based songwriter Jon, The Family Grave operates like a revolving door of musical collaborators, friends lending their talents to build something deeply personal and surprisingly resonant. Their newest offering, The Family Grave Play Songs About Love, showcases their signature approach: classic themes, intelligent lyricism, and a raw delivery that demands attention.
A New Chapter: The Family Grave Play Songs About Love
Their most recent release, The Family Grave Play Songs About Love, marks an artistic high point. It’s equal parts folk, jazz, indie-pop, and protest song, built with emotional clarity and instrumental variety. Contributions from Peter Collis (Diamond Family Archive) and Paul Pascoe (Mudlow, Beat Hotel) enrich the production, while R. Dyer and Matt Ellis Devitt provide brass flourishes that elevate the arrangements.
The Origins: From Cassette Tapes to Cultural Commentary
The journey began with their first record, Everybody is Flawed, a home-recorded lo-fi album laid straight onto cassette. Despite the minimalist approach, songs like “Johnny Cash” and “Please Don’t Go To University” immediately stood out, earning underground acclaim for their poignant storytelling. These early tracks established a blueprint: emotionally direct music that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Beyond the Album: Experimentation and Expansion
The band recently released a jazz-folk remix album and has collaborated with Nigerian producer Dimmeji, adding a global dimension to their ever-evolving soundscape. Their upcoming 2025 release, Old Songs for Kids, is expected to continue their trend of reinvention while preserving the authenticity that defines their identity.
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