The Flobots

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

When listening to the Flobots debut album, Fight with Tools, there's a feeling that all the destruction and injustice this politically motivated alt rap crew speak of has been seen through CNN and YouTube. There's a certain grit missing, a certain soul that comes from living the nightmare and surviving, and whether they've been through it or not, the Flobots just don't display it. Fight with Tools also feels like a college class project partly because it's so clean but also because it's incredibly busy with ambition and new ideas overflowing as everything and the kitchen sink get thrown into the record. This youthful ambition and willingness to explore is also what makes the record special. The Denver crew enter by spitting out a Gil Scott-Heron by way of Def Poetry Jam bit of prose on the opening "There's a War Going on for Your Mind," offering surreal lines like "It's raining pornography/Lovers take shelter" over melancholy chamber music. That's the Flobots' real hook; they rap with a live band, and not the guitar, bass, drums beat combo you've seen before. It's all of the above and some strings, horns, and other things left over from the orchestra and marching band. This isn't as Kids from Fame as it sounds, since the Flobots do have a believablly stern pose, and if they aren't experienced, they are brilliantly educated and aware. Good points are made with skill and fine wordplay, the guitars and drums crunch along driving home the message with head-bobbing grooves, and then album opens up with the marvelous "Handlebars," a carefully crafted, slowly building tale of the ego run wild via some beautiful muted trumpet. It's a very Fort Minor moment, and sweet relief from all the pain and in-your-face politics, suggesting the Flobots could benefit from a little more restraint. Here, they've got so much to stay it's hardly worth considering. If the talented young bucks want to shout down the world as if they own the place, why curb their inspiring appetite for justice by asking for discipline and composure? ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide