Fight With Tools - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Formed as a cohesive alternative organism in 2005, the FLOBOTS `good-fight' mythology can be traced via Denver's underground vines and creative community of the late `90s when various members enlivened each others' gigs and creative events, setting the charge that would eventually power up the band's contagious and rollicking rock/rap pedigree. Their rousing live show, seasoned by classically trained viola player Mackenzie Robert's innovative playing, sparked an impressive undertow of across-the-board support (including both coasts and off-the-grid territories such as Nebraska and Utah) as the group honed its glowing activist edge with a refreshingly positive message and bristling musicianship.

The prescient "Handlebars," currently holding down a coveted `Top request' slot at several key radio stations as well as being the Most Added at Alternative Radio, has placed FLOBOTS among the most buzzed-about newcomers in rock and rap circles. "'Handlebars' was written in the same way the group kind of blossomed," says Jonny 5. "I had a friend a few years ago who asked me if I ever tried to ride my bike with no handlebars. I hadn't, so I tried it. Got to thinking about all the other things I could do - we could do. The song came so fast to me I actually called my mom's answering machine to record the lyrics and make sure I got it all down. Of course it's also about how even our best intentions are laden with some sort of opposite. We like to think that FLOBOTS are about directing that positive energy into real change."

Flobots Photos

Album Description
Explicit Version. When a pair of intelligent, visionary emcees joins forces with a battle-hardened, groove-fusing rhythm section, a classically trained violist, and a jazz trumpet player, the result is a sound that explores and expands the frontiers of live hip-hop. Progressive in both style and message, the band's ability to drop from symphonic rock-infused crescendos into stripped-down string-laden breakbeats has earned Flobots a reputation for both originality and authenticity. After originally forming as a side project in 2005, Flobots brought together Emcee's Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit with violist Mackenzie Roberts, guitarist Andy Guerrero, bassist Jesse Walker, trumpet player Joe Ferrone, and drummer Kenny Ortiz. By the end of the year, it was clear that the band's refreshingly positive message and nontraditional instrumentation gave it both a universal appeal and a marketable buzz factor. Whether sharing the stage with jam bands, indie rock acts, or hip-hop groups, Flobots connected with audiences and quickly reached a tipping point to became one of Denver's most influential bands.

Customer Reviews: Read 30 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Prius Sittin On Fourteens Son. June 13, 2008
15 out of 20 found this review helpful

If you do some searching you'll find rap/hip hop is making a comeback or a throwback to when it said something. Rappers like Flobots, Eyedea & Abilities, Dead Prez, and many others are rhyming about issues, politics, and making change like the man in the mirror. Switching it up from bling bling to something with meaning. Rappers like Flobots aren't just fighting for your right to party but are fighting for your rights.
Checking out the oil in your Cadillac spilling isn't cool anymore it's just Ludacris.
The sweat dripping from people around the world isn't from skeet skeet skeeting but from stress stress stressing from watching the news we are one nation under a groove we might as well get down just for the funk of it.
Flobots aren't hardcore or negative their stuff does have a message, is honest, and not crazy complex. Wolf Blitzer will not have them on his I pod. They also follow these lyrics with good beats mixed in with some instruments via violin in some instances.
Very highly recommended.

3 out of 5 stars

Catchy, yet misguided. June 13, 2008
13 out of 23 found this review helpful

The hook of "Handlebars," is catchy, as are the nonsensical lyrics. I differ with most reviewers in that I believe the lyrics make the least sense at the end of the song. The more political these guys get, the more appropriate their group's name becomes. These words sound like they rolled off the liberal assembly line at the local state college, where students are given their choice between liberal indoctrination, and "progressive" indoctrination. This is being labeled "rap with a positive message." Make sure to read "positive" as "delusional."
Dear Flobots,
Do you really think it's that surprising that you got a record deal? Every mass media outlet and college prof. levels the same criticisms at our government that you have, and you think you're putting your neck out there? Let's champion some ideals together!

Here's to peace at any cost! (the cost will be our freedom, given to those who want us dead or socially enslaved as part of their idealogy)

Here's to repaying every group that feels slighted by the actions of America since (or before) 1776! (creating groups of "minorities" that are "more equal" than others)

Here's to moral relativism! (After all, why should we fight for what's right, if there is no such thing as "right?" Nobody can be wrong either, except the U.S., that is. Oh, and anyone who fights is wrong, so we would always be wrong if we did that. A notable exception being anyone who fights AGAINST the U.S.--they're justified, right?)

While we're at it, here's to larger government control, higher taxes and eventually socialism! (Forget that every socialist nation has failed to prosper like the U.S., and that the standard of living in glorious nations like Cuba (just ask Michael Moore) is in the tank. Of course, marxists would say we just haven't done it "right" yet, ha.)

I actually gave this album a halfway decent rating on musicality alone, but what I'm waiting for, is a group that champions:

-individual responsibility
-smaller government
-representation by the people and for the people, without activist judges making laws against the will of the people
-an end to the pandering and bowing to people who want us dead
-a call to action against liberal politicians who actually meet, and plan on continuing to meet with those who have expressed a desire to destroy our nation.
-a return to honor, morality, tradition and true EQUALITY. No special interest groups, and no reparations for people who have grown up free and FROM people who have never oppressed said group.

The founding fathers of this great nation are rolling in their graves to the rhythm of these catchy tunes.

4 out of 5 stars

Fight With Tools May 22, 2008
8 out of 12 found this review helpful

Flobots-Fight With Tools ****

Local boys hit it big....Or so all the radio stations have been saying ever since the group was signed, though Colorado has become quite the music scene with The Frey, Devotchka, Meice, Tickle Me Pink among others all getting signed. Well the Flobots are better than all of those and their debut album Fight With Tools is a testament to that. With great lyricism to their rap, and great musicianship to back it up, the Flobots are hopefully the feature of rap.

The lead single 'Handlebars' is a massive hit, and is one of the stupidest raps ever written and the music shouldn't go with the rest of the song but some how it still works. Now this is saying something because the record company felt that the song was so great that they did not rerecord it and left the demo on the album! That is rare. 'Stand Up' is and anthem for us all to take note of. Other stand outs include 'Annie Barden' and 'Mayday.' When the group is socially aware they are amazing, but the few times when they are not, they fall flat. The use of a real drummer and not a machine, along side a violin, and a trumpet make this one of the more unique groups around.

With the exception of a few minor gripes, Fight With Tools is a rather fantastic debut, especially from a group who only a few months ago was playing dives next to my house!

1 out of 5 stars

Too militant June 16, 2008
7 out of 34 found this review helpful

I like Handlebars and Never Had it because of the beat and sound. The lyrics are just too harsh for me. I didn't realize what this band was like. When I heard Handlebars on the radio, I thought they sounded a lot like Cake. This band is NO Cake. I don't share any of their views AT ALL. This kind of attitude is bad for America. I've tried to listen to it several times to see if I would change my mind. I didn't want to judge it unfairly. Stand Up is probably the most annoying song I've ever heard. The lyrics are also lame in this song and There is a War Going On For Your Mind. I'm sure other reviewers will just say that I don't understand it. I DO understand what they are trying to say, I just don't agree with it.

4 out of 5 stars

Exciting, moving and politically charged July 30, 2008
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I'm usually very hesitant purchasing an album based off one song when the genre (rap in this case) isn't one I usually listen to. Generally speaking, I'll love the one song and not listen to the rest of the album. In this case, though, I'm glad I broke my rule and picked up Fight With Tools because "Handlebars" isn't the only terrific song on this album.

Flobots reminds me of a couple different bands. They have hints of the politically charged Rage Against the Machine, but are more optimistic. There's the hornwork and a tinge of punk of some 90s ska bands, like Real Big Fish, only more hard-biting. There's the meticulous and nicely flowing rap like a lot of hip-hop artists today, only with more important things to say. But not only are there specific inspirations at work here, but a multitude of genres from rock to jazz to soul to hip-hop and beyond.

When the introduction opens, I realized that Flobots was presenting a thesis and that the rest of the album would be in support of their point. In fact, the words "There's A War Going On For Your Mind," as the opening states, are repeated a couple times throughout to stress this point. "Mayday!" starts wonderfully, adding a nice violin to the mix, an unexpected addition but a great one. "Same Things"'s jazz roots show through, with a kind of old school feel in new school shoes. From here, the CD takes off, but it's the last three songs that really pack the punch.

The ending starts with the song "Anne Braden," about the advocate of racial equality. Interspersed through this touching song are audio clips of Anne speaking about her thoughts on race. It creates a very introspective and moving song about her life and the the trials she and similar individuals went through. Her story is a good one.

Then we move to "We Are Winning," a plea for the people to become involved and active. It also tries to present a different picture; a different idea than ones crammed down our throat by showing the opposite of what we usually hear, with lyrics like, "Rival gangsters sit down to plan an after school program / A religious fanatic posts footage of an interfaith service project." They close with "Rise," which continues the plea of activisim.

All in all a very good album. Do I agree with everything professed in this album? No. Some of it steers a bit outside my scope and, sometimes, comfort zone. But isn't that what the best material should do? Take you outside your comfort zone and provoke thought? That's exactly what we have here; Fight With Tools not only provokes, but does so in an intelligent and witty fashion. But it's not all serious. Even if you strip away the political connotations, the music is what first hooked me. It's been a long time since I've heard music that's daring, different and similar all at the same time. A very good CD and one I heartily recommend.

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