Fiction Family, an unlikely pairing that works

Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot are an unlikely duo, but when the two came together to form Fiction Family, their musical sensibilities meshed into a great sound. The project was originally started during each members down time from their respective bands, but with Nickel Creek on an indefinite hiatus, a full-length album came to be.

The self-titled album is a mostly an acoustic guitar driven affair but the use of piano, drums, drum machines and a variety other instruments fill out the tracks. Watkins and Foreman split lead vocal duties on the songs which doesn't feel forced or strange. Their voices and songs blend together to create a single sound reflective of a band rather than two individual songwriters.

Nickel Creek fans may recognize the song "Not Sure" which Watkins played regularly on the band's last tour. It's a great song that deserved to make it on one of Watkins' records.

The album's first single is a poppy tune called "When She's Near" which is reminiscent of Jon Brion (download the song at the bottom of the post). A funny little video was filmed for the track by which you can see here.

The album's tracks are like a roller coaster of emotion from upbeat and poppy to somber to slightly aggressive to whimsical. Fiction Family is a strong offering from two young music veterans. It is delightful and well worth your time and money.

Fiction Family will released on Tuesday, January 20 via ATO Records. Stream the entire album now via Rhapsody.

Fiction Family - "When She's Near" (mp3)
Fiction Family - Fiction Family (album stream)