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| Summary: Flobots' politically and musically influenced album proves to be a quality example of a mix between hip-hop and rock that sounds good and gives a good message as well. |
1 of 1 thought this review was well written
When I first heard Fight With Tools, I noticed that this band was like nothing I’ve ever heard before. The combination of rock and rap has been seen in the music of artists like Gym Class Heroes, but Flobots stands alone with their influence of sound. With two obviously unhappy emcees, the band proves to us their discontent with the government and politics in general. The rest of the band, including the regulars, drums, bass, and guitar is graciously accompanied by a violinist and a trumpeter. The influence of these two instruments sets the band apart from bands like Gym Class (in my opinion) because it adds a more ‘musical’ aspect to the songs. Don’t get me wrong all you Gym Class fans out there, I personally don’t mind them, but I believe that Flobots is an overall better group of artists, although they may (and probably wont) ever get the same recognition as them, which is unfortunate.
The album begins with somewhat of an intro, which basically sets the tone for the rest of the album. Having never known of this group, it becomes obvious that the album will be greatly politically motivated and influenced. In the first real song, which is entitled ‘Mayday!!!’ the emcees bring to focus their views their basic dissatisfaction with the world in general.
‘in between the lines
outside of the law
underneath the veil
we dig our foundations
we navigate the globe
trying to find a pattern to break the mold
with a family to feed
theres nowhere we wont go’
‘Handlebars’ coming in at track number 6, is the obvious single off the album, and gladly the band didn’t follow suit with most other bands, who seem to be putting their worst songs on the radio for us to hear. The song starts off with an eerily soft plucking of the violin and the ‘chorus,’ if you could call it that, being somewhat whispered into the mic. The overall message of the song appears to be the arrogance of man kind, and the idea that people have of themselves, rather than of the nation, community, group, whatever.
‘I can hand out a million vaccinations
Or let'em all die in exasperation
Have'em all grilled leavin lacerations
Have'em all killed by assassination
I can make anybody go to prison
Just because I don't like'em and
I can do anything with no permission
I have it all under my command’
The final song to the album is called ‘Rise.’ With the bass and the violin starting it off, the melodic tone of Jonny 5 comes in and starts preaching the need for unity. Knowingly he speaks of diversity among people but basically how that shouldn’t stop people from banding together for something good. One line that stood out to me was in the last verse. ‘Change the sword to words and lift continents.’
Overall, the album was of definite good quality. I wish I could go in depth with each of the songs on it, but I would go on for days. With the assistance of a violin and a trumpet, the rock/rap group Flobots successfully points out their views in an artistic and musical way. If you get a chance, the album is without a doubt worth a listen.
Other Key Tracks:
Stand Up
Fight With Tools
Anne Braden
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I like this review much better than the other one...
Even though "Hate" isn't a strong enough word for the feelings I have for "Handlebars". I'm not sure why, I just hate that song. I usually like stuff like this but I doubt i'll give this a listen.
This Message Edited On 05.07.08
| | | Album Rating: 3
Handlebars sucks.
And the lyrics are piss poor.
This Message Edited On 05.08.08
Digging: Rites of Spring - End on End | | | Album Rating: 3.5
the lyrics aren't really all that special, but the flow is amazing.
and the songs are much fun to listen to.
good review, way better then the other.
Digging: X Godlike Japan - Blue Blood | | |
im listenin to this now, its a lot better than i thought it would be
Digging: Rage Against the Machine - Evil Empire
| | | Album Rating: 4
Handlebars is good 
Good review it would have been better, though, if you at least mentioned other tracks, seeing as you only really included 25% of the tracks. Otherwise great job.
This Message Edited On 05.08.08
Digging: Okkervil River - The Stage Names | | |
in a holocaust!
okay review for a first, though i have to disagree that these guys won't get much attention. i'm not really digging it but it seems like the trendy/indie scene around here is all going crazy so whatever. and like already said, you could've gone into some more in the album but it's not a big deal.
Digging: Silversun Pickups - Carnavas
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