Blending Beatlesque power-pop, folk, country and rock with a uniquely powerful vocal delivery, “Family Tree” explores the inescapable ties of family, legacy, and the weight of inherited sins.

This one gave us goosebumps! Crashing In Cars—aka Britt Pennella—brings us "Family Tree," a song that's an absolute force to be reckoned with.
Crashing In Cars’ “Family Tree” is a raw, unrelenting anthem. A timeless ballad that weaves together unpredictable guitar progressions with a powerful vocal delivery by Pennella, the track pulls listeners into a whirlwind of emotion and reflection.
Produced and engineered by Rick Parker, "Family Tree" draws on the grandeur of classic folk, while offering a distinctly modern sound, capturing the essence of a new generation’s struggle with family history and identity.
The song opens with a moment of reflection - “When I was younger, didn’t know just what to do”- before unraveling a tale of family dynamics that’s both universal and deeply personal.
The lyrics, penned by Britt Pennella, speak to the tension of inheriting both the virtues and the vices of those who came before. "You can torch that family tree, but it don’t burn," the chorus powerfully declares, encapsulating the defiant yet resigned realization that no matter how much we try to escape our origins, they are never fully gone.
Musically, “Family Tree” plays with unexpected chord progressions, creating a sense of urgency and unease, while still offering a sense of resolution in its soaring refrains.
The blend of power-pop and rock influences brings to mind the timeless craftsmanship of The Beatles, but with a raw edge that feels more urgent, folk-like and immediate.

The song’s centerpiece is the unmistakable vocal performance. Britt Pennella as a vocalist is capable of a true, organic and powerful delivery. With a tone that recalls the gravelly warmth of Johnny Cash, Crashing In Cars delivers the lyrics with unmatched conviction.
There’s a gritty authenticity in every line, as if the singer is not merely performing the song, but living it. From the rebellious sibling to the long-suffering mother, the characters in the song come to life with vivid intensity.
Rick Parker’s contribution as a producer adds a layer of depth to the track, blending a mix of classic rock and modern sensibilities. The result is a song that feels timeless, rooted in the past yet completely relevant to the present moment.
“Family Tree” is more than just a song about family, it’s about the legacy we inherit and the impact it leaves on our souls. It’s about acknowledging the past, accepting the present, and realizing that, for better or worse, those family ties are unbreakable.
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