New Gotee Records signees Family Force 5 made waves in 2005 with their brand of krunk rock, blending rap, rock, and electronic elements for a pop trip recipe that makes for one stage-shaking live show. To quench the thirst of new fans eager for their Spring, 2006 major label debut, the band released a self-titled five-song EP in the Fall of 2005 from Maverick Records. This EP gives a good look at what some of the best this band has to offer.

The EP opens with the hit "Kountry Gentlemen," a fan favorite that has already garnered significant radio airplay. Offering a rap rock element ala Rage Against The Machine with the electronic elements you might hear from Earthsuit or a rebellious boy band, their energetic flavor is familiar yet altogether unique. The sheer energy and clever, humor-laced songwriting is Family Force 5's charm. But although the band is pretty open about its faith on and off the stage, listeners shouldn't expect to find much depth in their songs. Although undoubtedly fun, "X-Girlfriend" and "Drama Queen" focus solely on relationships from a tongue-in-cheek approach while the 80's seasoned "Lose Urself" is simply a dance anthem. "Love Addict" is probably the closest thing to spirituality one might find on this release - an infectious, fuzzy guitar-driven declaration of a welcomed dependence on truth and love. Knowing the beliefs of the band beforehand makes it obvious what the song is about, but the casual listener most likely wouldn't pick up on it.

The songs' glossy production might rob a slight edge that the songs display live but the end product is simply good, clean club-friendly fun. An acquired taste nonetheless, Family Force 5 look to be a force to be reckoned with among the new artists of 2006.

- Review date: 1/2/06, written by John DiBiase