Album Reviews

To define Denver, CO's Flobots as a hip-hop group would be an almost criminal generalization. Sure, emcees Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit utilize the same syncopated and rhythmic vocal delivery that any other artist in the genre would, but the rap comparisons all but stop there. With a backing band consisting of a jam band/funk-influenced guitarist, bassist and drummer, a classically trained violist and a trumpet player that plays like he's channeling the soul of Miles Davis; Flobots are easily one of the most innovative new bands in hip-hop, or any other genre for that matter.

Every one of the twelve tracks on Fight With Tools delivers strong hooks that make bobbing your head and singing along nearly irresistible, but none are as infectious as lead single "Handlebars." Take the simplistic, yet powerful hard rock vibe of System Of A Down (with the heavy guitars replaced with viola) and mix it with a dynamically in-your-face oration, reminiscent to Eminem delivering an intense socio-political commentary, and you've got a tune that's bound to stick in the ears of a generation. Save for the power-chord laden title track, much of the rest of Fight With Tools avoids any straight-forward rock elements as the band makes brilliant use of violist Mackenzie Robert's wide array of talents. From bluegrass ("Stand Up") to classical ("There's A War Going On For Your Mind" and "Rise"), Robert’s comes across as the band’s x-factor by adding unheard of stylistic combinations over the top of the often-funky backbeat provided by her band mates. Her vocal contributions are noteworthy as well as her silky and soulful voice perfectly compliments that of the dual emcees on the upbeat "Same Thing" or the laidback ode to civil rights activism "Anne Braden." Rekindling the fire lit by Rage Against The Machine in the '90s, the outspoken social and political message heard on Fight With Tools is exactly what today's apathetic, Myspace-addicted youth needs. Musically, the band should please anyone from neo-hippies to hip-hop kids and everyone in between, while preaching a sermon we all need to hear.

—Ryan Ogle
05.06.08