Review Summary: This is a record worth having if you want to be get a good introduction to Flobots or if you perfer to stay away from the larger ideas and concept in their LP’s, whatever your preference I give this record a 4.
The EP titled "Flobots Present...Platypus" is easily viewed as a stage of evolution in the idea and presentation of the politics of Flobots. Expressing ideas like "One Love" as well as songs that describe human actions and crimes with "Handlebars." It holds important ideas but doesn't lead you to expect the next album, Fight With Tools, although there are similarities between the two. The album uses many orchestral elements as well as Flobots's signature bass and electric guitar sound. Jonny Five and Br'er Rabbit do not exercise the same back and forth vocals as often as later albums, but there is very good examples of this in "The Moon."
The EP enters with "Prelude" setting the mood with a 44 second orchestral piece setting a mellow mood as you proceed into the EP to start "Jetpack"
The second track opens with a catchy bass rhythm and serious vocals that pick up quickly and the way the vocals are presented make you listen carefully for the meaning. The chorus is nothing original and some parts of the song can be repetitive but the deep and bass-ish song keeps you attracted all the way through.
The third track, “One Love,” opens with a refreshing energy and climbs into the body of the song with viola, bass, and Jonny Five's inviting and friendly vocals. Soon enough you hear a flow of viola that encourages the listener to think about the ideas at hand. A song that sounds very “Christian” although the Flobots write to no specific religion.
The fourth track is one people will recognize rather quickly. “Handlebars” was re-recorded for Fight With Tools but was made popular by this EP. The song features a viola rhythm, good horn work, and tells the story of a man who gains and abuses power.
The fifth track is a dreamy one titled “The Moon.” It features the alternating vocals between Jonny 5 and Br’er Rabbit. The alternating vocals on a fast pace are interesting to begin with but may come to be tiresome after a few chouruses. The song also prsents the Flobots’ use of trumpet and that Br’er Rabbit sings, although not impressivly.
The penultimate song is titled “No W” and is basically a song about The Flobots. It is one of the few songs the Flobots have that has no serious meaning. It is a little bit of a dissapointment to a very serious record, it is however a very fun song that lightens the mood. It also features the alternating vocals that would carry into FWT as a signature vocal method.
The last song of the EP “Something grown Together” is my favorite and is a very good climax to the EP. Its meaning is unclear until after thought and sounds almost like an overcomplicated wedding vow mashed together with the story of toys. Its by far the most interesting song on the record. I figured that the song was surronding the Flobots and they’re mission to make change.
This is a record worth having if you want to be get a good introduction to Flobots or if you perfer to stay away from the larger ideas and concept in their LP’s, whatever your preference I give this record a 4.
