Family Animals is an alternative rock band from Northeast Pennsylvania. Their music spans an eclectic array of sounds, including psychedelia, punk, funk, and progressive rock. Family Animals comprises long-time friends and brothers, including Anthony Viola on guitar and drums, Jesse Viola on keys, guitars, drums, and Frank DeSando on bass. With each member helping carry the vocal duties, the band continues transforming its sound, always experimenting and writing new material.
The wonderfully whimsical yet hard-hitting punk of Family Animals sounds as animated as ever on “Baby Needs a Brain,” a stand-out from their recently released EP. While the eerie melodies may lean towards a Horror-filled ride, the band’s prowess sounds fitting in any season. What starts as a left-field example of modern punk breaks down to a wall of searing guitars and thudding drums, proving this single is more than its surface. As the song plays, it evokes the feeling of falling backward blindfolded. The looseness of the melodies gives the song a ragdoll effect as it puts the weight of their nuanced approach on the listener, but the hectic bridge proves every move Family Animals makes is intentional. The instrumental breakdown in the middle of “Baby Needs a Brain” seamlessly ties the band’s lofty visions. Family Animals are doing punk their way. By integrating their psychedelic approach to the blazing tempos of the genre, the band has carved a refreshing path that successfully separates them from their peers while showcasing their limitless creativity.
“We wrote and recorded this EP on a whim,” explains Anthony. “We had the idea in late September and wanted to get it out by Halloween. It was a blast, and I’m happy with the results!”
