The Very Good Agency

Ya Heard? The Flobots

This weeks edition of Ya Heard? takes a look at an album from a fresh new live hip hop band with a message. The Flobots appeal is two-fold; firstly, theyare a live hip-hop band. Led by two skilled Emcees, Jonny B and Brer Rabbit, the band features live instrumentation not seen often enough in hip-hop these days, including lead violin, guitar, bass, drum and horns in virtually nearly every track. Having recently being introduced to True Live, it was pleasing to find another album utilising a similar sound. The second part of their appeal lies in the way in which the Emcees present the views and beliefs of the group within their music. I’m not usually enthused by the typical politically charged hip-hop that often comes across as preachy, angry or negative; but the Flobots come with an optimistic and often inspiring premise that makes you sit up and listen. Their approach is summed up perfectly with this from their website: “Armed with musicianship, intelligence, and an ingrained sense of rebellion, Flobots are looking to engage a new musical culture, one mind at a time.”

The group has seen recent success with their single “Handlebars”, a track that demonstrates the lyrical complexity and creativity of the group. The song subtly breaks down the competitive natures of man, comparing a child bragging about bike riding abilities to leaders bragging about military capabilities. “Handlebars” , along with other notable tracks, “AnnaeBraden” and the title track “Fight With Tools”, are so thought provoking that you’re bound to question yourself after you hear them. “Anne Braden” contemplates the concept of racism by revisiting the story of a famous fighter for racial equality.

The first musical track of the album, “Mayday!!!”, gives a good indication of whats to come, with a heavy guitar riff and sweet violin chords that are perfectly combined with well-placed trumpet and percussion parts. The tempo of the track rocks back and forth, relying on the guitar for the verses and the violin for the hook, providing the Emcees with a canvas for switching flows and background vocals. “Same Thing” and “Stand Up” follow, and ensure the album holds the listeners attention. With a funky bass line supported by a perfectly placed trumpet, “Same Thing” is a call to revolution. And “Stand Up” is the ideal introduction to the Flobots political and social stance with a powerful hook:
Stand up
We shall not be moved
Except by a child with no socks and shoes
Except by a woman dying from a loss of food
Except for a freedom fighter bleeding on a cross for you
Stand up
We shall not be moved
And we won’t fight a war for a fossil fuel
It’s times like this when you want to plot a coup
Put your hands up and I’ll copy you

These tracks definately show the live potential of their music, as do”Combat” and “The Rhythm Method”; which no doubtedly rock shows on a regular basis. The album also features spoken word, which is used to great effect on the intro, and backed masterfully by the violin on “We Are Winning”, a punchy plea from Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit for society to become involved and active.

‘Fight With Tools’ is a welcome return to conscientious lyrics, supported with quality instrumentation from a live band. From the thought-provoking tracks to the ones that’ll have you nodding your head, this is an album that not just hip hop fans will enjoy. I’ll sign off for the week with the final lines of spoken word in “We Are Winning”, a nice summation of what you can expect to hear.
There is a war going on for your mind
If you are thinking you are winning
Resistance is victory
Defeat is impossible
Your weapons are already in hand
Reach within you and find the means by which to gain your freedom
Fight with tools
Your fate and that of everyone you know depends on it

For more on the Flobots you can check out:

www.flobots.com

www.myspace.com/flobots

…Crack

Tags: hip hop

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